The French Model 1777 was used by our French allies during the Revolutionary War and became the basis of the first U.S. martial pistol: the incredibly scarce North & Cheney Model 1799. This example is marked "St. Etienne" below the cock and has standard French markings and features as well as "79" on the left flat at the breech (1779). The stock has "1200" scratched near the heel on the left and what appears to be "9 BLE" over "A/1779" stamped on the opposite side. A removable collection marking is printed on the trigger guard bow.

Very good plus with mottled brown patina and mild pitting on the steel, aged patina on the brass, general minor marks and scratches, a few dents and mild edge wear on the wood, and general mild wear. Mechanically fine. The Model 1777 makes a great stand-in for collectors who have not been able to get their hands on a North & Cheney and is an important historical model in its own right with ties to both French and American history.