3248

Exceptional Pair of Gold Inlaid French Garde du Corps Flintlock Pistols of 1816 -A) French Flintlock

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,250.00 USD Estimated At:8,500.00 - 13,000.00 USD
Exceptional Pair of Gold Inlaid French Garde du Corps Flintlock Pistols of 1816 -A) French Flintlock
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Exceptional Pair of Gold Inlaid French Garde du Corps Flintlock Pistols of 1816 -A) French Flintlock Pistol


A) The top of the barrel has "Gardes du Corps du Roi" inlaid in gold and a gold highlighted proof at the breech. An engraved band is also featured at the breech. The lock plate is script marked "Maubeuge/Manuf. Re." The barrel band, pan, side plate, trigger guard and buttcap are brass. The buttcap has a relief crown and three fleur de lis. The trigger guard has a Fleur de Lis finial. The iron ramrod has a button head. The full length stock has a flared butt and a small crown/script letter proof stamped behind the barrel tang. The Garde du Corps (bodyguard) was the senior formation of the King of France's Household Cavalry within the Maison du Roi (The King's Household). The Garde du Corps saved King Charles VIII from being captured in the Battle of Fornovo, but failed to save Francis I from being captured in the Battle of Pavia during the Italian Wars. The Garde du Corps final campaign was during the War of Austrian Succession with the last battle being Lauffeld on July 1, 1747. During the French Revolution, the Corps narrowly escaped massacre when an angry crowd of nearly 500 broke into the Royal Palace. A unique pair of pistols from a historic French military unit.

Manufucture: French
Model: Flintlock
BBL: 8 inch round
Stock: walnut
Guage: 69
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN

Very fine. The barrel retains 90% thinning original blue finish with limited light spotting. The brass has a bright appearance. The cleaned stock is fine with a repair in the grip area and some minor handling marks.

B) As described in "A" but with the trigger guard marked "E-23."

Manufucture: French
Model: Flintlock
BBL: 8 inch round
Stock: walnut
Guage: 69
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN

Very fine. The barrel retains 90% thinning original blue finish with limited light spotting. The brass has a bright appearance. The stock is very fine with some minor handling.