These early to mid 18th century pistols have rounded brass blade front sights on the smoothbore barrels with long sighting flats signed "CHASTEAV A PARIS," engraving at the breech, and brass notch rear sights on the tangs followed by period added "No 14" inventory marks. The locks are also signed "CHASTEAV/APARIS" and have engraving including a scroll motif inhabited by a mask on the tail. The intricately pierced side plates have scroll patterns and a pair of fanciful heraldic "dolphins." The other iron furniture has more restrained embellishment, and the pommel caps have a bust of a figure in armor with a laurel crown. The beautifully figured rootwood/briarwood stocks have fine raised molding. Eugene Heer in "Der Neue Stockel" lists an Alexandre Chasteau, son of Claude Chasteau, as active c. 1727-1750. The MET lists a Francois-Alexander Chasteau active in Paris 1741–84. There are dated pieces marked Chasteau attributed to Alexandre Chasteau as early as 1722, and there are some disputed claims of him having been a gunmaker to King Louis XV. Heer notes that he probably did not but did work for other royal houses but does not say which houses those were.

Fine with mostly smooth gray patina, some areas of darker brown patina and mild oxidation, distinct markings, generally crisp engraving, repaired replacement cock, and mild age and storage related wear overall. The stock is very good with beautiful figure, a few minor cracks and repairs, light flaking at spots along the edges, and minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.

See "A." Provenance: The Tom Lewis Collection

Fine with mostly smooth gray patina, some areas of darker brown patina and mild oxidation, small chips at the edges of the cock, mostly distinct engraving and markings, and general mild overall wear. The stock is very good and has some minor cracks and faint repairs, beautiful figure throughout, and light scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent.