This is a pair of pistols made in the 1800's, I believe them to be French made. The guns have so many similarities that I suspect they were made by the same gunmaker. One of the pistols is flint, while the other is percussion. The percussion gun measures 14" overall, with a 9 1/4" smoothbore barrel. The flint measures 13 3/4" overall, with an 8 3/8" smoothbore barrel. Each of the barrels has a bore that is dark and lightly rusted throughout. Both of the pistols has an iron lock plate and hammer, with the remainder of the hardware made of brass. The flint has inlaid brass work on the barrel. All of the brass on both pieces is finely engraved with ornate floral designs very similar to each other. The brass on the grips show some signs of frequent use. Apparently these were not decorator pieces, but carried on a daily basis. The flint pistol has been converted to percussion. This barrel has the only marks on either gun, it looks to be French. On the left hand side of the barrel on the flat is a three point crown over the letters AM. I haven't been able to identify those just yet. The stock on the percussion is in good condition, showing an age crack along the barrel channel on the left side of the pistol, with a section of wood loss from the barrel band forward. The flint stock shows a couple of old repairs. A section approximately 1/4" wide running from the ock all the way to the barrel end has been replaced. On the opposite side of the stock a large section has been replaced. The photo's show the repairs, which were very well done. The actions of both pistols need some work done to them. The percussion conversion will achieve half and full cock, but will not lock. The flint lock works, but the action is sluggish. Both of these could be repaired if the buyer wishes. I am sure that these were once matched pistols made by the same gunmaker. While they have a few flaws they really display great.

Item # AA1310

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