Flintlock pistol
Michel Berleur (1758 - 1810)
Category
Arms and armour
Date
1770
Materials
iron, wood, silver
Measurements
395 mm (L)
Place of origin
Liège
Order this imageCollection
Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire
NT 783238.1
Summary
Extremely rare Lorenzoni type flintlock repeating magazine pistol, c1770, by Michel Berleur, gunmaker, Liege (1758-1810), .
Full description
Extremely rare flintlock repeating magazine pistol, c1770, by Michel Berleur, gunmaker, Liege (1758-1810). The pistol uses a repeating action first associated in the late 17th century with the Italian gunmaker, Michele Lorenzoni of Florence (1684-1737). His guns were constructed with two magazines concealed within the wooden butt, one for gunpowder, the other for ball. The breech of the gun has a cylindrical block with a cavity large enough to contain a charge of powder and ball, and this revolves on a horizontal axis. Mounted on the left side of the gun and connected to the revolving breechblock is a long lever which rotates the breech block, allowing firstly a ball to enter the cavity in the block, and secondly a charge of gunpowder. Further movement of the lever cocks the lock, closes the frizzen, and primes the pan from another small magazine located by the flashpan. Round iron cannon-barrel, formed in two stages, octagonal at the breech, then round to the muzzle. The breech forged integrally to the barrel and frame of the pistol. Circular repeating action which rotates by using the long activating handle located on the left side of the pistol. Engraved frame with hinged magazine door on left side. Barrel length 16cm. Calibre 8mm. Walnut grip inlaid with silver wire scrollwork and studs. Engraved brass buttcap with long spurs, the pommel decorated with a grotesque mask. Engraved steel trigger guard. Flintlock (not integral to the frame) of flat form, profusely engraved and signed BERLEUR. The flashpan constructed with a small priming magazine to one side, and with a rotating pan, which is activated by movement of the frizzen. The frizzen with a serrated face. The top-jaw and screw missing. Retained to the stock by 2 sidenails. Overall length: 39.5cm
Marks and inscriptions
Lockplate: Berleur
Makers and roles
Michel Berleur (1758 - 1810) , gunmaker
References
Heer, 1978: Eugene Heer, Der Neue Stockel: 3 Volumes