4401

18th CENTURY FRENCH PISTOL BY COULANGE OF SOMIER.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:700.00 USD Estimated At:1,400.00 - 2,000.00 USD
18th CENTURY FRENCH PISTOL BY COULANGE OF SOMIER.
Cal. 50. NSN. Bbl. 6 3/4". A fine early well-made French pistol appropriate for the French and Indian War, fur trade era, or the American Revolution. The pistol was made by Coulange of Somier in the south of France (now Sommieres), who worked from about 1760 to 1770. The semi-faceted to round barrel has hammered floral decoration throughout its entire length. The barrel tang is also embellished as well as the bolster area. The cock and the lock to the rear of the cock have similar engraved decoration. Under the faceted iron pan are the marks "Coulange a Somier". The iron trigger guard, buttcap, and side plate are engraved with similar foliate decoration. There is an iron ramrod thimble and entry thimble, as well as the original iron ramrod. The stock appears to be fine-grained fruit wood and shows beautifully executed carved flourishes around the barrel tang and trigger guard. The side plate and ramrod channel are surrounded by similar carvings. CONDITION: the barrel and other iron show a pleasing, dark, early, uniform patina. The lock functions well and holds both full and half cock. The stock shows some splintering on the right side near the muzzle, but there appear to be no losses. Fair bore. (01-25819/BF). $1,400-2,000.