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Rare French Knife Pistol by Duvert

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Rare French Knife Pistol by Duvert
6mm Flobert, 1 1/2'' barrel with a lightly oxidized smooth bore. This is an interesting French knife pistol of very compact design and, quite simply, just looks like a typical folding knife. It is equipped with a 3 3/4'' clip point main blade and a smaller 1 3/4'' thin dagger point blade. The piece appears to be unmarked but is identical to the example pictured on page 104 of ''Blade and Barrels'' by Frost, which is maker-marked by Duvert on its main blade. The metal surfaces show an old cleaning mostly toned to a pewter gunmetal patina with some remnants of oxidation staining and partially smoothed-over pinprick pitting. The horn panels remain in very fine condition showing some light handling marks, a few thin cracks and small repairs on either side of the rear corners. There is a raised shield-shaped border on the left side surrounding the firing button. The action mechanism is rather simplistic and functions by lifting up the ''pommel cap'' and hinging open the breechblock to load the chamber. The breech is closed and the cap, which is linked to the striker, pulled back until it catches the sear. The firing button will then drop the striker when pressed, invariably causing the action to bounce around and not inspire much faith in its holding together, but obviously these were intended for extremely low-powered ammunition of the Flobert variety. A small manual ejector rod is housed within the back of the frame as well. A fine condition and very rare piece for the collector of peculiar arms curiosa. (13B11777-21) {ANTIQUE} (2500/3000)