New to me target/dueling pistol. What do you think??

[MedicMike3762]

Just arrived today! I bought this on a whim and it was advertised as a bondini? Although I don’t believe so, but I felt it was cheap enough to roll the dice on. I’m relatively new to BP and really new to single shot hand guns. Anyway im certain it’s an original pistol, my guess is French? Although it’s not very fancy. It appears to be somewhere around a 52 or 53 caliber bore. The rifling is extremely deep and has about 10 to 12 lands in the barrel. I’m curious is this a dueling pistol without the other half? Although it does have a ramrod upfront. I plan on shooting this pistol and I’m curious what everyone would start with for powder 25 grains? Also do you patch the round ball with these just like you would a long rifle? I am also extremely blown away by the craftsmanship of this handgun the lock is extremely well-made and as beautiful on the inside. Also the wood relieving in the lock mortise looks like it was done with a CNC machine amazing! Please if anyone has any further insight to the country ofOrigin or whether it’s a target pistol or a dueling pistol? Please let me know.

 

[MedicMike3762]

More pics.

 

[hrt4me]

looks good

congratulations on your purchase

 

[cynthialee]

It is old. Don't know for sure if it is an original, but it is old.

Damascus barrel. Neato...but I would be be very hesitant to fire it. Old Damascus barrels can burst. And I would be loathe to remote test fire due to worry it might blow and ruin a nice show off piece. But if I was to be dedicated to shooting it, a remote fire from behind cover would be in order before I felt comfortable shooting it.

That ram rod in it is about useless for that particular gun. No way it will reach all the way down there to load it.

 

[hawkeye2]

It is not a dueling pistol. In the overall scheme of things regarding dueling pistols they are relatively rare compared to the number of officer's pistols and quality civilian and target pistols though most listed for sale are "dueling pistols" that have been separated from their mate. Doubtful it's a Bondini either but most likely an original. I'm very envious of your purchase. I like the way the front of the lock plate is retained without a screw.

Load it with a patched round ball like a rifle. It looks like it might need a thick patch but it's hard to say just from the photos. Twenty five grains of 3f is a good start and go up in 5 grain increments till you find the most accurate load with 50 grains being the max. Do not place the butt on a hard surface while loading, that's far too valuable to break. Just hold it by the barrel in your off hand. You'll need a ball diameter that will load easy, not as tight a fit as a rifle.

 

[MedicMike3762]

It is not a dueling pistol. In the overall scheme of things regarding dueling pistols they are relatively rare compared to the number of officer's pistols and quality civilian and target pistols though most listed for sale are "dueling pistols" that have been separated from their mate. Doubtful it's a Bondini either but most likely and original. I'm very envious of your purchase. I like the way the front of the lock plate is retained without a screw.

Load it with a patched round ball like a rifle. It looks like it might need a thick patch but it's hard to say just from the photos. Twenty five grains of 3f is a good start and go up in 5 grain increments till you find the most accurate load with 50 grains being the max. Do not place the butt on a hard surface while loading, that's far too valuable to break. Just hold it by the barrel in your off hand. You'll need a ball diameter that will load easy, not as tight a fit as a rifle.

I also thought it was extremely clever how the front of the lock plate has a hook that fits right under the metal “button” in the lock mortise. Are you by familiar with the barrel proof?

 

[Jaeger]

It's old....no way it could be a repro with patina like that, because it would cost way more to make it look old and worn than it would be worth. I'm impressed with the workmanship and quality of the lock, and also how neatly the lock is inlet into the stock.

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
The barrel mark is St Etienne, France.

dave

 

[user 48679]

The proof mark on the barrel looks like one from the St. Etienne proof house (France) - since it's not an exact match, I would opine that it's an early proof (pre-1897)

(Oops - I didn't see Dave'spost)

 

[Relic shooter]

I also shoot originals & agree with hawkeye2 & dave_person , you have acquired a very nice quality pistol.
The French officers pistol I shoot below is in .70 cal so it will shoot std. military round balls, it closely resembles your pistol & also has the same style of fast twist rifling & produces excellent groups ! My photo is not showing the steel ramrod that is fitted in the same manner as yours. These French pistols, especially the Flintlock & converted percussion models often have a cupped-end ramrod that will hold a powder charge & also are contoured to fit shape of the military round balls, pretty handy idea for fast reloading..
In regard to dueling pistols, the one's i've run across have been 'numbered' either 1 or 2 on top of the tang or breech area.

 

[Robby]

Nice find!!!!!!
Robby