FRANCE, vers 1780 Marine officer's "sea lion head" pistol Round-bodied flintlock lock, unsigned but located "A Eymoutier" and swan-neck hammer. Ringed, then round barrel. Smooth. Cal. 12 mm. Short walnut barrel decorated with a serrated frieze and stock carved with a "sea lion head", open mouth. Cut iron fittings. Mouthpiece with sight. Model without hook. Iron ramrod with nail head. Barrel length: 14.7 cm - Overall length: 26.5 cm. Scratches and bumps from use; a few cracks, notably on the stock; some oxidation. This pistol must have been part of a pair. The other pistol would have been inscribed with the harquebusier's name, while this one bears the name of the town of Eymoutiers, near Limoges.