FRANCE, Revolutionary period, circa 1800. Flintlock gendarmerie pistol, type An IX (?), manufactured by a private firm. Round-bodied flintlock lock, signed "Courtin au Bla..", with heart-shaped hammer. Round barrel with three thunderbolts. Marked "AM" under crown. Smooth. Cal. 17 mm. Walnut stock and barrel. Cut-iron fittings. Iron nail rod. Barrel length: 14.4 cm - Overall length: 28 cm. Very hard hammer spring, very difficult to cock. A few scratches and knocks from use; a few wormholes; oxidation; jaw and hammer screws missing.