French pistol c.1850

[Aughnanure]

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In like new condition going by the photos and the vendor’s description, and he’s got a good reputation.
In the insured parcel post tomorrow so I might be fondling it by Friday; more pictures after it arrives.

[Niner]

Nice looking pistol, Eoin. Looks like you haven't given up on adding to the battery. Good on you.

[DuncaninFrance]

Looks brand new Eoin, I hope it isn't............
Looking forward to detailed photographs

[Niner Delta]

Please post more photos when it's in your hand, very interesting looking.

.

[Aughnanure]

According to Australia Post’s rtacking device it should be here Thursday, but I have to pick my wife up from Iverell hospital at 3:30pm when her shift finishes, so might miss delivery and will have to wait till Friday as it won’t be left on the doorstep. (I hope).
I got the vendor to include a letter as to its age as I’ll be keeping it with my registered pistols in the safe and I can’t see the average inspecting Officer not thinking that it’s new and should be registered (stupid bloody laws!!).
More pics when it arrives,

[Niner]

BP pistols have to be registered in Australia if they aren't historic relics? Never would have guessed that. From what I remember being said in the past I don't think it's that way even in the UK.

[PeterN2]

In the UK, muzzle loading black powder rifles and pistols are classed the same as modern firearms if they are made in 1939 or later. If made prior to 1939, they are classed as antiques and can be possessed with no restriction. However, if you want to fire an antique, then it has to be added to your Firearm Certificate as if it was a modern firearm. The rules are made up to make owning and shooting guns as difficult as possible.
Following a shooting in Plymouth in 2021, the rules look set to get tighter. A man had his shot gun certificate and shot gun taken off him by the Police due to some violent event and subsequently, after a review, he had it returned to him. A few weeks after it was returned, he had a row with his mother, shot her dead and then went outside and shot dead a man and his 3 year old daughter and another man and woman at random. He then shot himself dead. The inquest has just concluded with the usual calls for a tightening of the law on firearms and shotguns. The Police fouled up, but it is the law abiding gun owner that will pay the price.
Regards
Peter.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-64559397
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-64674901

[Niner]

Why 1939? Maybe that's the year the law was thought up?

[PeterN2]

I think they just used the start of WW2 as a cut off date. No logical reason, but then there is little logic in our firearms laws.
Regards
Peter.

[Aughnanure]

Delivered at 9:35 this morn and after getting through the very thorough packaging I had it in my hands and it’s every bit as good as the vendor’s photos which I now append.
Needs a bit of work, the trigger adjustment is seized up and half cock won’t hold but full is fine but I’ve only let it off against thumb pressure
Don’t know yet weather it’s an adjustable trigger or a single set.

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The seller listed it as having no visible name or proofs but he must never have taken the barrel out as Fournier appears on one under flat along with proof marks.
So definitely French.
The breech plug and the barrel both bear the number 2, which leads one to suspect that this is one of a pair.