Late 18th Century French Cavalry Pistol Known As Model 1777 Still With Its Original Belt Hook

A large and handsome military pistol that was produced in France for its Military, and also exported in large numbers to the U.S. for use in the War of Independence.

It later became the blueprint for America's first official model of firearm, the model 1799.

The French M1777 was produced I believe from 1779  until 1792 in St. Etienne, Charleville and Mauberge.   This one is an earlier type that still retains its belt hook (many of the later ones are lacking this.)

It is engraved Mauberge on the body under the cock and there is an Inspection Stamp on the heavy brass trigger guard and just behind the pan.

The steelwork has a nice aged patina and does show some signs of corrosion and the barrel is stamped 81 just above the belt hook at the breech.

The stock is bruised and there is a small piece missing where the ramrod has, over the Centuries, pushed a section out.  It also has a very worn rectangular stamp on the right side, mostly illegible except for 81 (I think) at the end.

The mainspring is strong and the action is nice and crisp in both half and full positions.

Overall a good, complete example of this iconic French Military pistol.

Barrel length 18.5cm,  Overall length 34cm.

This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license