Le Page Flintlock Duelling Pistol
Le Page · Pistol · Discontinued · 1800
Also known as: LePage Duelling Pistol, Le Page Paris Flintlock Pistol, Pistolet de Duel Le Page
Overview
The Le Page Flintlock Duelling Pistol is a single-shot, muzzleloading flintlock pistol built by the celebrated Parisian gunmaking house of Le Page in the early 19th century. Chambered for a patched .58 caliber lead round ball ignited by black powder, it was one of the finest dueling arms of the Napoleonic era. Le Page held the title 'Arquebusier de l'Empereur', gunmaker to Emperor Napoleon, and its pistols were renowned for their damascus-twist barrels, platinum-lined touch holes, delicate single-set triggers, and lavish gold inlay and engraving. Typically sold in cased pairs with all necessary loading accessories, the pistol was carried by aristocrats and officers who settled affairs of honor on the field.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1050 g (37.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 400 mm (15.75") |
| Barrel Length | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Flintlock |
| Trigger Type | Set Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 180 m/s (591 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 293 J (216 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Barrel Material | Damascus Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Browned |
Calibers
- .58 Caliber Ball · primary — also known as 58 cal round ball, 14.7mm ball, 56 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Muzzleloaded
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Octagonal Barrel, Hooked Breech, Single Set Trigger, Checkered Grip, Platinum Lined Touch Hole, Gold Inlay, Engraved Furniture, Saw Handle Grip
Service history
Conflicts
- Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815)
Production
Production years: c. 1800-1840
Made in small numbers as bespoke cased pairs; the Le Page firm operated in Paris from 1717 until 1913 under the successive names Le Page, Moutier Le Page and Faure Le Page.
Origin
Country of origin: France
Designer: Jean Le Page / Henri Le Page
Discontinued: 1840
Notes
Original Le Page duelling pistols were normally supplied in fitted cased pairs. Bores were commonly smoothbore for dueling per the etiquette of the period, though Le Page also produced rifled and later percussion versions. Antique originals are prized collector's items; the design is reproduced today by makers such as Davide Pedersoli.
Background
Jean Le Page held the coveted title 'Arquebusier de l'Empereur', gunmaker to Napoleon, until the Emperor's defeat at Waterloo in 1815. A pair of Le Page flintlock pistols captured from Napoleon's looted baggage train after Waterloo survives in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.