Original 1750 French Percussion Conversion Pistols Signed Joseph Lamotte Laine with Gold Inlaid Barrels & Burl Stocks

Description

Original items: One of a Kind Pair. This is a fantastic set of mid highly decorated 18th Century French pistols, dating to approximately 1750. Originally produced in a flintlock configuration, these fine pistols were later updated to use the percussion ignition system during the early 19th century, which was a far more reliable system. That also indicates that this lovely set of pistols was still in use, probably passed down through the family over time, as would be expected with pistols of this quality.

The pistols have some fantastic gold inlay on the 8 inch long part octagonal cannon barrels, which measure about 0.63” in bore. There are some engraved designs to help highlight the gold, and the front sights appear to be tarnished silver. The rest of the pistol bears lovely polished steel mountings, including lovely ”long eared” butt caps with gold highlighted floral end caps.

The lock plates still show areas where the frizzen and spring were attached, and also still are faintly marked with the well-known French maker:

Joseph Lamotte …… Laine

This is a known maker from the mid 18th Century in France, and they are most correctly known as Joseph Lamotte L’ainé à Saint-Étienne, or Joseph Lamotte The Elder of Saint Étienne. We have found numerous other examples of their work, including several with the same type of gold inlaid barrels. They were quite highly regarded at the time, and their works are highly desirable today.

The stock is made from beautiful burl wood, probably some type of walnut, and has carved embellishments around most of the fittings. Around the barrel tang are carved floral designs, though these are a bit worn, with some damage to the stock from service. The rest of the wood on the stocks is in great shape, showing some wear in places, and what look to be some repairs near the muzzle end.

The metalwork on the pistol is in very good shape, polished to a lovely bright steel, with some areas of oxidation around the butt caps and ramrod pipes. We checked the lock action, and one pistol works great, holding at half cock and firing at full, while the other will fire at half cock, and the trigger has a bit of play in it. Both still have their original iron fitted ramrods, however the example with the lock issues has the rod stuck, possibly due to an end fitting. We did not attempt to force it out to avoid damage.

A fantastic pair of mid 18th Century French pistols by a very well-regarded maker, originally produced in flintlock but converted to percussion in the 19th Century. Just a great honest pair of upmarket pistols that saw long service. Ready to research and display!

Specifications (Both):-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1750Caliber: .63” PistolAmmunition Type: Lead Ball & PowderBarrel Length: 8 inchesOverall Length: 14 inchesAction: Flintlock Side ActionFeed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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