In 1837 the French Marine Service developed a new handgun. It was the first percussion ignition handgun adopted by the French.

The pistol is 12 ½” in overall length with a 6” round barrel that terminated in a patent breech, bringing the overall length from muzzle to breech plug tang to about 6 ¾”. The barrel is secured to the stock with a single barrel band and screw through the breech plug tang. The pistol is smoothbore and 60 caliber. The pistol has the captive swivel ramrod. The iron parts of the arm are finished bright. The gun is brass mounted with single brass barrel band (with serial # 137 on it) is secured to the trigger guard via a strap on the underside of the stock. The trigger guard and butt cap were also of brass, while the grip strap, side plate and naval belt hook were of iron. A swiveling iron lanyard ring was mounted in the bottom of the butt cap as well. The one piece walnut stock was of a traditional form. The pistols were produced at the usual French arsenals, including Châtellerault and Tulle.

The French M1837 Marine Pistol offered for sale here is a fine condition exampled that is 100% complete and correct in every way. The back action lock is unmarked. The breech plug tang is marked "Mle.1837" in deep script. The barrel and furniture show a variety of French inspection, controller and viewer marks, including an anchor on the butt cap The bright metal is smooth and free of any pitting. The lock remains mechanically excellent and functions crisply on all positions. The swivel ramrod remains intact and functions as it should. The bore of the pistol is in fine condition as well and is mostly bright. The brass furniture has a lovely mellow golden mustard patina. The stock of the pistol is also in fine condition. The wood shows no signs of having been sanded and is free of any breaks or repairs. The stock shows some scattered minor bumps, dings and handling marks, but shows no signs of abuse of mishandling.

This pistol was deaccessioned by a museum in the Boston area back in the 1970s. Other items were associated with the battle of Mobile Bay August of 1864 including the flag of the USS Metacomet and captured items from the CSS Selma. If this was a Confederate Naval import it might explain the absence of French arsenal markings on the lock? Never-the-less the price solely reflects the intrinsic value of the weapon. [PE] [ph:L]

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