18th Century French Overcoat Flintlock Pistols Signed Delety a Paris
A very handsome pair of half stocked overcoat or travelling flintlock pistols with steel mounts and highly decorative silver (white metal) floral designs.
Although stained, the metalwork is in great condition with no pitting or corrosion and the locks are signed Delety a Paris.
The trigger guard and counter lock plate are typical of the French style in the their design and the cannon barrels with their fluting are very decorative.
The mainsprings are strong and the actions are crisp in both half and full positions.
The walnut stocks are in great condition too, with no splits or cracks and there are very few bruises.
Interestingly the stocks have been stamped in several places with R.A.C and I have no ideas as to what this might signify.
Both ramrods are missing but, despite this this they are a really neat pair of pistols dating to the third quarter of the 18th Century.
I've only found a little information on Delety. I believe that there were four of them, Charles Antoine, Pierre, Charles and another who isn't identified. Trading at Rue Coquillere Paris 1750-1774 (this information was gleaned from an internet forum discussion).
Barrel lengths 9.5cm, Overall lengths 20cm.
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
