FRANCE, last quarter of the 18th century DUVAL in Nantes. Marine officer's pistol. Flintlock lock, signed and brass bassinet, and iron swan-neck hammer and breech cover, white polished, underlined with fillets. Bronze barrel with wide arched sides adorned with a maritime trophy and half-sun near thunder, then round and banded towards the slightly flared muzzle. Marked "D" [de DUVAL?] on reverse. Cal. 13 mm. Iron thunder tail. Long walnut shaft decorated with a rocaille cartouche in silver wire inlaid behind the thunder. Cut brass fittings with fillet decoration and bird's head cap. With wooden ramrod with horn or steel tips. Barrel length: 13.5 cm - Overall length: 25.4 cm. As is; scratches and dents, some deep; missing silver wire; cracked barrel nose. This small pistol is similar to the pair of pistols belonging to Robert SURCOUF [Musée de Saint Malo]. Julien DUVAL, harquebusier in Nantes in 1775-1799. Surcouf's supplier in 1787.