The French supplied many Model 1766 pistols with either iron or brass furniture to the American rebels during the Revolutionary War and also issued them to their own forces which were vital to our ultimate victory in the war. This is one of the pistols that were originally in the Model 1763 pattern and were shortened and has the "1763" marking on the barrel tang. The barrel band and lock have "N" marks, and the barrel has an unclear marking on the left and "F/59" on top at the breech. The left stock flat is carved with "CD." No French arsenal markings are visible on the lock. They may have been removed by the Americans if the pistol was part of our martial arms stockpile.

Very good with mottled gray patina and mild pitting on the lock and barrel, replaced cock, aged patina on the brass furniture, some dings and marks from use, and mild overall wear. The stock is also very good and has general moderate wear including some scrapes and dents, a chip and small crack at the nose of the lose, and darker spots. Mechanically fine.