To be exact this is a "Marine pistolet de bord 1779. 2e type". An improvement on the "Marine pistolet de bord 1779. 1er type". The 2nd type began production in 1783 and ceased production in 1787 when production began full swing on the "Pistolet De Bord 1786". The single shot .69 caliber pistol is in the original flint and steel configuration. It is also "in the black" with a deep heavy patina overall and scattered pitting which is heavier and deeper in places. The walnut stock is of the half stock form and is solid with scattered tiny wood worm holes. The barrel is 7 inches long and the bore is very dirty. There was originally a belt hook on the left side, but this was removed. Often this was done intentionally because these pistols were later issued to the French cavalry.

The lock plate is engraved "Mre Rle de Tulle" (Manufactured at the Royal arsenal of Tulle). Tulle was an arsenal that specialized in the manufacturing of Naval arms. It appears that the hammer, top jaw and screw and the frizzen, or steel, are original. The weapon is principally brass mounted with all matching poincons (inspector's marks) a crown over a "C". On the flat of the stock across from the lock is a stocker's name and "86" which is the last two digits of 1786. The ramrod is missing (Museum quality reproductions are available on-line. A reference can be provided by us if requested). These pistols were in use from the time prior to the French Revolution until the end of the Napoleonic Wars; The Battle of the Saints, Trafalgar, Waterloo and all like that there. Despite some issues of great age, it shows very nicely.  [pe][ph:L]