An interesting model AN IX (1800), French, Gendarmerie flintlock pistol.
The .60 caliber, round, smoothbore barrel measures 5 inches while the whole pistol measures 10 inches. The barrel is clearly engraved ‘Manuf Roy le Maubeuge’. The barrel tang is engraved ‘M an 9’ with ‘57’ and ‘C1819’ at the breech.
The details of ‘Manuf Roy / de Maubeuge’ are clearly visible on the lock. The lock holds full cock and half cock.
The iron furniture with interesting engravings on the butt cap, is in a good, polished condition.
The butt cap is marked ‘F R G’ which has been suggested by some to stand for the French Republican Guard.
Interestingly, the butt cap is also engraved with crown over an ‘N’ inside laurel wreath. This is a common symbol for the Emperor Napoleon Boneparte and was used by many of his supporters during, and after, his reign.
More research should be done before any claims of a Boneparte connection can be made.
The walnut stock is in solid but used condition. Note that the original rammer is stuck.