Rare French Model 1849 Naval and Marine Pistol (AH6467)

The Model 1849 pistol was the last single shot percussion pistol used by the French Navy and Marines prior the the adoption of the pinfire Model 1853 Lefaucheaux revolver. With the exception of the captured ramrod, the Model 1849 is very similar to the much more common Model 1837 Naval and Marine pistol. The overall length is approx. 12". The 6.75" part octagon, part round 60 caliber smooth bore barrel has an excellent, bright bore. All the metal is bright with very light scattered staining. The barrel is equipped with a blade front sight. The notch rear sight is just to the rear of the barrel. The barrel left flat has toe proof marks within pointed rectangles with the fires being *C* and the second *A*. What appears to be a crown over V is below them at the wood line. The right flat has an impressed *M with 1851 (the manufacturing date) following. MN is on the flat below at the wood line. The lock is marked in script Mle Nle de Chatellerault with a small impressed proof above that. The brass nose cap, trigger guard, and butt cap are fine with an even aged patina. They have various inspection stamps and marks including the Naval anchor on the face of the butt cap. The 5" belt hook has two small inspection marks on its tang. The chain-captured ramrod is present. The stock is very good with numerous issue dents and dings but no cracks or chips. The left side above the belt hook has two small crown over letter proofs and the stocker's name, DUHAIN, stamped on it. The left grip has a crisply-stamped rondel with 1851 on top, *A* and *C* on the sides, AOUT (August) at the bottom, and MN in the center. An intertwined letter inspection stamp is below the rondel. With the exception that the hammer can be released by a trigger pull, the action functions correctly. The Model 1849 Naval and Marine percussion pistol is very rare in the US and France. This is the only one we have had in 50 years. If you collect French military percussion pistols, this one is a MUST.