Pair of First Type French Model 1833 Officer's Pistols (AH6448)

This is an extremely fine pair of scarce first type percussion French Model 1833 Officer's Pistols. The overall length is approx. 14.5". The approx. 8.75" octagon 65 caliber barrels have hair rifling (many, many lands and grooves). They were intended to be used with no patch around the projectile which was rammed down the barrel over a fairly light powder charge. The barrels are swamped and have a Damascus finish. The case hardened locks are marked in script "Mre Rle de" over "Chatellerault" (Royal Manufactory of Chatellerault). The 8.25" heavy brass tipped ramrods are threaded on the opposite end. The case hardened trigger guards have a finger spur with a decorative forward tip. The case hardened butt caps have swivels and rings with a compartment beneath that is accessed by unscrewing the swivel cap. The stocks have fine checkering on the grips and strong inspection cartouches on the left flat. The actions function perfectly. Pistol No. 1 which has slightly lighter wood has a fine bore with strong rifling. The Damascus pattern on the barrel is strong with slight edge wear and a little light freckling, especially around the bolster. The lock and hammer case colors are fine. The trigger guard bow is brown with the tang and butt cap having colors. The stock is fine with sharp edges, light usage wear, and no cracks or chips. The butt cavity contains a 1" long by .565" diameter metal cylinder that is threaded to fit the ramrod. Pistol No. 2, with darker wood, has a fine bore with bright, strong rifling. The Damascus pattern on the barrel is strong with slight edge wear and some light freckling on the right side. The lock and hammer case colors are fine. The trigger guard colors are good and the butt cap is brown. The stock is fine with sharp edges, slightly more wear than gun no. 1, and no cracks or chips. The butt cavity contains two spare nipples. It would be very difficult to improve on this fine pair of first type Model 1833 French Officer's pistols. They are fit for the finest collection.