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Pistol 1978-237
French M-1766 Cavalry Pistol
Pistol 1978-237

French M-1766 Cavalry Pistol

Date1774
Artist/Maker Royal Manufactory at Maubeuge
OriginEurope, France, Maubeuge
MediumWalnut, iron, steel and brass
DimensionsOverall: 16" Barrel: 9" x .68 caliber
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1978-237
DescriptionFrench cavalry pistol of the "Model of 1763" series, with the improvements of 1766. Includes the shorter barrel and the lone, double-looped barrel band.
Label TextAs with their British counterparts, French military pistols bore a strong resemblance to their shoulder-fired counterparts. Like the muskets instituted as part of the "Model of 1763" series, bands were used to secure the barrels to the stocks, and a stronger, double-throated cock and a simpler lockplate appeared as well. Marking a departure from their corresponding infantry muskets, pistols made for the French cavalry were often built with brass hardware, as on this 1774-dated example. Though a new pattern had been adopted the year before, it is believed that many of these slightly-obsolete pistols were shipped for American use during the Revolutionary War.
MarkingsLockplate marked with a fleur-de-lis over "B," over "Mre. de Maubeuge" engraved in script forward of the cock. Barrel marked with the date "74" near the breech and engraved "M 1763" along the tang. Various incomplete letter markings are stuck into the sideplate and the forward tang of the triggerguard.
ProvenancePurchased by Col. Reuben A. Baxter in 1932 at a sale of material from the family of Walter Strickland, of Suwanee, Georgia.
Exhibition(s)