The 60 caliber non-rifled barrel has a blade front sight and has a bright bore. The metal is bright with light scattered staining. The notch rear sight is just to the rear of the barrel. The barrel left flat has 2 proof marks within pointed rectangles with the fires being *C* and the second *A*. What appears to be a crown over V is below them at the wood line. The right flat has an impressed *M with 1851 (the manufacturing date) following. MN is on the flat below at the wood line. The lock is marked in script Mle Nle de Chatellerault with a small impressed proof above that. The brass nose cap, trigger guard, and butt cap are good with an aged patina. There are numerous inspection stamps and marks, including the Naval anchor on the face of the butt cap. The 5" belt hook has two small inspection marks on its tang. The chain-captured ramrod is present. The stock is very good with dents and dings but no cracks or chips. The left side above the belt hook has two small crown-over- letter proofs and the stocker's name, ROBERT E, stamped on it. The left grip has a crisply-stamped rondel with 1851 on top, *A* and *C* on the sides, AOUT (August) at the bottom, and MN in the center. An intertwined letter inspection stamp is below the rondel. The firearm functions correctly and has been inspected by a qualified gunsmith.
Overall length approximately 12" The barrel is about 6.75 inches and is part octagon and part round
Unknown
Dear Chuck,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The presented object appears to be a French Chatellerault 1849 Naval and Marine percussion lock pistol. The lockplate is marked "Mre. Nle. de Chatellerault", with proof and inspector stamps, and the manufacturing date 1851.
Comparable objects were recently offered and sold on the international auction market.
This piece is in medium condition and there is no severe damage visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 600 to 1.200 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.
With kind regards,
George