Original French Modèle 1837 Navy Percussion Pistol made at Châtellerault Arsenal with Belt Hook

Description

6/26/25 - This is a French Modèle 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 M'le 1837, and there are also some proof marks near the breech end of the barrel on the left side. 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 Châtellerault. This is the abbreviation for Manufacture Royale de Châtellerault (also known as Manufacture d'Armes / Imperieale de Châtellerault), the Imperial Arsenal in central western France. Most of these that we see are made at the arsenal at Tulle, which is where most of the Naval arms were made during this period, however it looks like they were also made at the other arsenals in small numbers as well. This one is in nice condition and fully functional. Some staining on the right side of the wood stock. The bore is nice for its age, showing only minor surface oxidation. No FFL required.