French Tulle Mle 1837 Navy Percussion Pistol

Description

10/8/24 - This is a French Mod?®le 1837 Navy Percussion pistol, complete with the original belt hook still present on the left side. Holsters were impractical at sea, and the leather would quickly be degraded by the sea environment, so a pistol that could be fastened over the belt was preferable. To prevent loss, the ramrod is a "captured" type, attached with a swivel at the front of the barrel. The barrel tang on this example is correctly marked Mle 1837 with "Crown C" proofs throughout. The screws are all matching-numbered. There is a Naval "Anchor" proof stamped into the butt plate next to the lanyard ring, used to keep the pistol from falling to the decks or overboard. The lock is marked "M're R'le de Tulle". This is the abbreviation for Manufacture Royale de Tulle (also known as Manufacture d'Armes de Tulle), the Imperial Arsenal in southwestern France. This is also which is where the majority of Naval and Marine production guns were made during the mid 19th century, so there is definitely a possible naval connection. The gun is in fair condition overall - no major wear, just honest light patina throughout. Nice brass parts. The wood stock is nice overall with no major damage, just minor bruising. Very nice smooth bore. Fully functional. No FFL required.