Marine pistol ratings and values

If you own a marine pistol, and would like to know its value, and if you don't know, the period and model of your weapon, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your weapon, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on today's market. Thereafter, if you wish to sell your property, we will guide you towards the best possible device to obtain an optimal price.   

Rating and value of marine pistols

Marine pistols are sought-after items by collectors. However, price differences can be considerable, depending on the model and state of preservation. Nowadays, prices for these objects can rise considerably under the auctioneer's hammer. Buyers from all over the world are interested in the sale of certain rare pieces. The price at which they are sold on the art market ranges from €70 to €331,760, at the moment - a considerable difference, but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to these weapons. The box having been offered by Consul Bonaparte to an admiral of a Spanish ship including two percussion pistols made by Nicolas Boutet in Versailles, sold for €331,760 while it was estimated at between €300,000 and €320,000. 

Order of value ranging from a simple order to the most prestigious

History and development of naval pistols

Pistols were developed at the end of the Ancien Régime by the various Armes manufactures in France (Kligenthal, Châtellerault, Saint Étienne then Versailles).

The first flintlock pistols appeared in 1779, arming the Royal Navy.

A flintlock pistol is an antique firearm that uses a flint-based firing mechanism to ignite gunpowder, propelling a projectile out of the gun's barrel. It operates through several components: barrel, powder chamber, primer and firing mechanism.

The flintlock pistol mechanism is a classic example of a mechanically-fired firearm. Although this technology is now obsolete, it played an essential role in the history of firearms and preceded the development of modern firearms, such as centerfire and metal cartridge firearms.

The wars of the Empire were fought for the most part with these weapons, although there were a few wheel guns, which were less easy to use.

Around 1820, the percussion pistol was developed. It revolutionized ammunition for all army corps. The 1849 model for the navy brought a number of innovations, notably the generalization of the octagonal barrel.

Under the Second Empire, revolvers were developed and generalized, thanks to the invention of the barrel by Colonel Samuel Colt.

The success of naval pistols in collectible    

Naval pistols are successful at auction because they are a collectible weapon in demand. Production was very high, as this weapon was used for a long time and equipped many armies.

The more the model belonged to a famous and esteemed individual, the higher the value of the weapon. This was the case with Tolstoy's pistols and Napoleon I's le Page pistols.

Reasons to sell a naval pistol at auction  

If you own a flintlock pistol or other model, and don't know how to sell it, auctions are one solution. Many collectors are looking for old models.

These objects are not just guns, but a historical witness to the scientific evolution of gun design.

Knowing the value of a marine pistol    

If you happen to own a marine pistol, from any period, and would like to know its value, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using our form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your piece, as well as any relevant information about it. If you wish to sell your property, you will also be accompanied by our specialists in order to benefit from alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market inclinations.