French Light Cavalry Officer’s Flintlock Pistol, c.1810.  This exceptional flintlock pistol of an officer of the Light Cavalry was manufactured with beautiful appointments of detailed silver and walnut.  Measuring 12 inches overall (30.5cm.) the checkered carved grip curves into the ornate stock and reveals a beautifully finished 6 1/2 inch (16.5cms.) rifled Damascus steel barrel, slightly flared at the tip.  The lockplate is unmarked although the hammer has an elegant ‘swan neck’, a feature seen in Ringeisen of Paris and other custom Ateliers of the era. All the silvered fittings, including the lockplate, trigger guard, tang, the octagonal butt plate and the retaining nut heads are engraved with leaf and line motifs.  The original ramrod has a screw device at one end.  This particular weapon must have been a source of great pride for its owner as it stands out from other examples of this type.  It is an exceptional showpiece.