Jean Arlot is listed as a gunmaker in Paris c.1780-1818 and was a gunmaker to King Louis XVI prior to the French Revolution. This French Empire style pistol was originally crafted in the late flintlock period and then expertly converted to percussion, including carefully engraving the hammer to match the original lock which is signed "ARLOT" at the center. The swamped barrel has fine "micro-groove" style rifling, a dovetailed blade front sight, "ARLOT" (upper left flat) and "A PARIS" (upper right flat) inlaid in gold, a sighting groove that extends onto the breech plug, and a notch rear sight within the groove. It is also equipped with an adjustable single set trigger, engraved furniture, spurred trigger guard, and a checkered and carved half-stock.

Fine with 85% plus blue finish and essentially all the gold inlay remaining on the barrel, light case colors, crisp engraving, some minor pitting and oxidation, gray and brown patina on the balance, and general light age and storage related wear. Aside from the crack in the wrist stabilized by an added plate, the stock is very good and has crisp carving and checkering and some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.