There were two Abraham Muniers, father (1579-1641) and son (1611-1666) in the 17th century. The lack of "fils" used to differentiate the son suggest this is the work of the elder. Regardless of the specific maker, this is a very scarce and early double barrel flintlock pistol. The three-stage barrels have no markings and are slightly different both in the girdles and in their caliber (.50 top and .53 on bottom). The long locks are back action to allow them to fit up against the barrels. The lower barrel's pan and vent arrangement are unusual, and ignition was likely unreliable given the left pan sits well above the vent but is shaped to create a wide channel from the pan along the lower left flat of the upper barrel and down to the vent. Perhaps a large priming charge was used given the powder from the pan would easily spill into this cavity from the pan. Ignition would scorch the wood of the left forend panel. Regardless of the deficiencies of the design, it is a very unique and an interesting early attempt at a multi-shot pistol in an era dominated by single shots. The early bridle-less locks are signed "A/Munier/AGeneue" (Geneve) (right) and "Abraham/Munier/AG" (left) and are engraved with flowing floral scroll as well as bird designs on the cocks. The trigger guard has a pierced scroll design that is repeated on the pommel. The latter has a border design that has been seen on other Munier pistols. There are forend panels, and the main stock has some raised molding around the locks and barrel tang. Ramrod absent.

Very good. The metal exhibits mostly light gray patina. The engraving is generally crisp. The lower barrel is dented. The left lock has a broken cock, and the front lock screw securing the locks is a replacement. The refinished stock and forend panels have cracks and spliced repairs and chips around the nose of each lock. The right lock remains mechanically fine.