(A) COIGNET FLINTLOCK PISTOL.

Coignet was a well-known French gunmaking family that worked out of St. Etienne for numerous years. Given the C first initial, it is likely one of the Claudes, who have a cumulative working period of 1744-1817. Brass front sight. Two stage barrel with wedding ring at girdle, with first stage having flat sides and second stage being round. Strong evidence of gold inlaid designs on barrel flat and tang, geometrics and florals. Simple beveled edge lock with "Ce Coignet / a St. Etienne" centra, with simple line borders and floral motif at rear. Swan neck cock with simple border engraving. Ramrod, likely the original, with slot at rear and retained by a reinforced mouth at ramrod channel. Sideplate decorated with line engraving and floral motifs. Vacant silver escutcheon at wrist. Trigger guard with urn finial and decorated with border engraving. Buttcap with stirrups, also engraved en suite. CONDITION: Good. Metal has been carefully cleaned to avoid complete destruction of gilding, which is still visible, with some spotted oxidation throughout. Wood is very good with some minor chipping and some shrinkage away from metal. Action works appropriately when cycled by hand, bore is very good. Topjaw screw replaced. This would have been a very impressive pistol when new and made for someone of means. EW Barrel Length: 7 - 1/14" Caliber/Bore: .62 Smoothbore FFL Status: Antique Manufacturer: Coignet Model: Flintlock Serial Number: NSN