Mid 19th Century Belgian Cavalry Pistol of 0.59" Calibre Dated 1865 and Stamped "G Mordant Liege"
A substantial military sidearm with regulation brass furniture, lanyard ring and swivel ramrod.
The 8.5" round steel barrel is stamped with the Liege Proof Mark, the nipple bolster is stamped with a small Crown with possibly a letter beneath (now illegible) and the lock is stamped with the Makers name "G Mordant", below which is "Liege" and under that the date "1865".
The brass trigger guard is clearly stamped with what I believe to be 2 Government Inspection Stamps, a Crowned W and a Crowned M.
I can't see any Unit stamps on the stock.
The condition of the steelwork is smooth and stabilised but has suffered from corrosion in the past with "stippled" pitting across all steel parts except the ramrod.
The mainspring is strong and the action is good in both half and full position.
The brasswork is clean without being overly polished and the substantial walnut stock has a few bruises as you might expect and a large crack on the left side of the forestock, although this looks like it was done in antiquity and doesn't affect the stability of the piece in any way.
G. Mordant was a registered Gunmaker of Liege in Belgium and active between 1850 and 1876. He held several interesting patents and seems to have been active in producing Military Arms.
I have seen different references to his Christian name, Gille and Gustave.
A substantial Continental Military pistol of the Victorian period.
Barrel length 21.5cm, Overall length 38cm.
This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license
