French Officers Percussion Pistols by Chatellerault Arsenal..SOLD
Created on November 3rd 2010
.69 Bore French Percussion Military Officers Pistols
No visible serial numbers but identical in all respects. Half stocked with 8.3/4″ Octagonal damascus barrels of approx’ 69 bore. Excellent finely rifled bores with practically no pitting or damage. Strong damascus pattern externally turning from strong grey to plumb brown in colour with slightly flared muzzles. Equipped with front and rear sights.
The patent breeches have strong case-colour hardening still showing. These pistols are extensively arsenal marked mostly with a circled letter “D”. At the rear of the barrels on the bolster side is a clear crowned “D” and “MR” on the .45 degree flat the date 1845, on the opposite 45 degree flat both within elongated diamond stampings another “D” and a “G” these are more than likely arsenal inspector marks and arsenal proof marks. The fact that every component is stamped with something is a clear indicator of the military arsenal link.
The well fitted smooth locks both exhibit strong smokey grey/blue colours fading to plumb brown. The locks are inscribed in a script “Manufrf Rle de / Chatellerault / Couturier” and stamped with an small “F”. Both pistols are mounted with spurred iron trigger guards, fore-end caps and lanyard mounts and rings; the later unscrew to reveal a cap compartment in each pistol stock. The plumb/grey colouring on all components is completely undisturbed.
The steel brass tipped ramrods are even marked with the “D”. These slide into the stocks at an angle so as not to interfear with any other components. The half stocks are made from French Walnut and each exhibit the dents and scuffs of time. Each stock is neatly chequered across the rear and sides to aide grip. Both stock have clear script “D” stamped into their tops and left sides.
The locks on these fine pistols function beautifully with a clear full and half cock. This is a beautifully constructed matching pair of French Officers Pistols which are very worthy of any serious gun collection.
£3350.00…..SOLD
Comments Off on French Officers Percussion Pistols by Chatellerault Arsenal..SOLD