Known as the Charleville Pistol, this antique Model 1777 French Officer's pistol has a 1782 production date. This places the pistol at the very end of potential American Revolutionary War use. The Model 1777 pistol was manufactured until 1792 in three French cities: Saint-Etienne, Charleville, and Maubeuge. Our ally during the American Revolution, France supplied arms, men, and support. The Model 1777 became the pattern from which the very first official US military handgun was designed. The .69 caliber bore on this antique pistol is dark and heavily pitted. The walnut grip has many handling marks and a small crack extending back from the tang. The brass has aged to a mellow patina. This pistol weighs 3.0 pounds.

Our top view shows the 7-1/2" tapered round pistol barrel. The .69 caliber smooth bore is dark and rough, with heavy pits running its entire length. The left side of the barrel is stamped 82 near the breech. The exterior has aged to a speckled brown patina. No front sight or rear sight is fitted, typical of pistols designed to be use at short range. A long steel extension runs along the top of the grip for added strength from the short straight tang of the breech plug down to the brass buttcap.

The walnut grip shows many dings and handling marks. We note a 1-1/4" hairline crack extending down the left side of the grip from the rear of the short tang. The right side of the grip is stamped 1782 along with a word we couldn't make out. A small B is stamped further up the grip. Our bottom view shows the large brass triggerguard, buttcap, and box lock frame. The buttcap has many small dings, and is retained with a steel screw in the bottom. A second steel screw passes through the upper extension of the buttcap, through the grip, and engages the grip rail of the triggerguard. The flared iron ramrod enters the brass frame, directly under the lock. Although a strong spring retains the ramrod, this was the weak point of this pistol, since the ramrod could be lost in the field. The steel belt hook is mounted to the bottom of the frame.

The large double throated cock and frizzen have aged to the same speckled patina as the barrel. The mainspring is strong and the lock functions correctly. The brass frame with integral pan has aged to a mellow patina and is marked St. Etienne just under the cock. The right side of the frame is also stamped with a crown over L inspection mark just to the right of the cock. The direct drilled vent is positioned on the center of the integral brass pan. The single trigger requires firm pressure to release the cock.

This antique pistol will make a great addition to any Revolutionary War collection. This 200 year old piece of history is sure to be a conversation starter. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.