This is a matched pair of French Empire flintlock pistols made around 1815, .60 caliber with 8 1/2-inch barrels, the locks signed DELAROA and the barrel tops marked DELAROA BORDEAUX. The barrels are silver plated and keep almost all of the original finish, running from octagonal to round through an engraved integral band, with cannon-form muzzles ringed by small silver beads. The hammers hold most of their blue. The stocks are rated excellent, with silver wire inlay along the rear of each pistol, a finely engraved silver single-screw side plate, engraved trigger guard and butt cap, a hallmarked guard, and a silver bead on the grip cap.

These are collection pieces, bought for the decoration and the state of preservation, and the bead work at the muzzles and grip caps is the Spanish influence the supplier points out. Montana adds no state permit, registration or waiting period to a purchase, so the dealer transfer with the federal Form 4473 and NICS check is the whole procedure.

Key features

• Pair of French flintlock pistols, circa 1815
• .60 caliber, 8 1/2-inch silver-plated barrels
• Locks marked DELAROA, barrels DELAROA BORDEAUX
• Silver wire inlaid stocks, hallmarked trigger guard
• Used, excellent condition as described

The pair ships to a licensed Montana FFL dealer, who receives them and completes the transfer paperwork with you in person.