Collectors of antiques dream of finding rare weapons that have been exceptionally well-cared for. This concept is perhaps best represented by the term "one owner car" in the antique vehicle market; which invokes an antique lovingly protected by a single, faithful custodian over generations.
While the age difference prevents a direct "one owner" parallel in the antique gun world—firearms are centuries older than classic cars—the underlying search for sentiment remains. Collectors of antique weapons often seek out guns that have been held in the same family for generations or in a singular collection for decades.
The reasons for this preference are simple. Antiques kept "off the market" for a significant portion of their existence are generally more original and better preserved than those passed through numerous hands - the more owners an antique has had, the more likely it is that at least some of the subsequent owners may have attempted some degree of ill-advised "restoration," such as refinishing or part replacement, in a misguided attempt to "improve" their investment. However, in reality, it is the guns that are "untouched" and in good honest condition that command premium prices.
It is for this reason, that we are proud to present the guns from our latest acquisition, which directly speaks to the collector's dream: this collection was amassed by a single family in the 1920s and 1930s and was immediately placed into a museum, where it remained until we acquired it late last year. For nearly a century, these guns have been off the open market and under the professional care of a museum. This means the vast majority of these weapons are untouched and completely original; while those do show evidence of repair work, having had this work completed during the late 19th and early 20th Centuries! These are authentic time capsules, which we have chosen to present complete with their original, neatly applied museum ID numbers as a testament to their history. (The numbers can be easily removed with acetone, leaving no damage, but we believe they enhance the story.)
According to museum documents, the particular French Gendarmerie pistol was purchased at an antique shop in New York City in 1938.
During the 18th and early 19th centuries, the French Gendarmerie were responsible for policing roads, suppressing highwaymen, and maintaining civil order. Because these duties required a weapon more maneuverable than the bulky pistols carried by line cavalry or dragoons, the Gendarme pistol was developed as a purpose-built sidearm. These flintlock pistols were standard issue from the French Revolution’s "The Terror" through the end of Napoleon’s First Empire, a period spanning approximately thirty years.
As military weapons, production of the Gendarmerie pistols was limited to government run arsenals and reflects a significant shift in French military organization. During the 18th century, the French state solidified the production of regulated military arms through the Government-run arsenals at Charleville, Saint-Étienne, and Maubeuge. The pistol’s design reflects its role as a peacekeeper's weapon. They are generally observed with barrels that measure roughly 5" and an overall length that generally averages only 10". The Gendarmerie pistols were compact enough to be carried in a large pocket. Typical encountered examples are Model of 1770 which features a walnut stock with iron furniture, including a large iron nose cap at the muzzle. However, this particular Gendamerie pistol, produced at the national arsenal at Maubeuge, pre-dates the model 1770 and was likely produced sometime between 1765 and 1770 based our research, as it omits the large iron nosecap in favor of a a traditionally pinned barrel and simple ram rod pipe.
The lock plate is faintly marked "Maubeuge Manuf. N.", indicating that it was produced at the Federal arsenal in the of Maubeuge. The Maubeuge Arsenal was founded in the late 1678 by Louis XIV through the Treaty of Nymegen, and was transformed by the legendary military engineer Vauban into a first-line border fortress. Situated on the frontier near the Spanish (and later Austrian) Netherlands, Maubeuge was already a vital hub for troop movements and military logistics, making it a natural location for a royal manufactory. The arsenal became one of three major state-owned arms manufacturies, along with Charleville and Saint Etienne.
This particular piece is a fine representative of an early Gendarmerie pistol. It's all original and in excellent condition.
The stock is in great shape with no damage to speak of. The lock panels are wonderfully crisp and all the furniture fits well, indicating that the wood was never sanded or refinished.. The lock is in its original flint lock configuration (not a reconversion) and holds solid on both full and half cock. The frizzen spring is nice and crisp, providing good "snap" to the frizzen whenever it's opened or closed. The lock has some minor salt-and-pepper pitting, and the manufacturer engraving is faint, but legible.
The barrel is full length and and is unmarked with the exception of an enigmatic "6" engraved at the breech. The furniture is all original and matching.
