Revolutionary War Period French Flintlock Officer's Pistol by "Durand" ca. 1770

In overall very good+ clean original flintlock condition. The octagonal to round, .55 caliber, 7 1/2", smoothbore, pin-fastened, sighted, iron barrel with a lightly engraved breech-top (worn) and thread-engraved barrel-tang. Molded and nicely carved, nicely figured, walnut fullstock with French rococo relief and incised carvings, around the mounts, lock and along the forestock: a raised carved floral bouquet, at the barrel-tang and the wrist and borders of the butt-cap with silver-wire scroll inlay. Classic, French form, bulbous butt. Full brass mounts with lightly engraved surfaces. The butt-cap with side stirrups and an engraved rounded finial. Two, baluster type ramrod pipes and an engraved openwork sideplate with rococo scroll finial and a centrally etched classical bust. The trigger-guard with a sculpted urn-type forward finial and a finely engraved bow. In original flintlock configuration: the lock with a rounded scroll engraved lockplate with clear "Durand a' Langogne" signature beneath the rounded bridle-less powder-pan. A “Durand” is recorded working in Lyon, France, ca. 1780. (Please see E. Heer’s: “Der Neue Stockel”, vol. 1, pg.320) In overall very good+ original flintlock condition. The barrel with bright steel-gray surfaces, worn engraving and some light scattered discoloration/fine pitting: fine touch-hole. The hardware with smooth lightly brass-toned surfaces with fine engraving and some light wear. The stock retains 85% finish with some minor handling marks, small abrasions and expected signs of use. The lock with smooth surfaces, 85%+ polish, sharp scroll engravings; and its original matching hammer and frizzen. A clear maker’s signature and in mechanically functional order with a strong mainspring. Retains its original wooden ramrod with flared tip. A very nice example of a French Flintlock Officer's Pistol, ca. 1770. The type of Pistol carried in the American Revolutionary Wars. For a similar example, please see G. C. Neumann's: "Battle Weapons...", pg. Overall length, 13".

Copy and photos from Ambrose Antiques.