2024 marine pistol ratings and values

If you own a naval 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. Then, if you wish to sell your property, we'll guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.   

Rating and value of marine pistols

Marine pistols are highly sought-after by collectors. However, price differences can be considerable, depending on 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 boxed set given by Consul Bonaparte to an admiral of a Spanish ship, including two percussion pistols made by Nicolas Boutet in Versailles, sold for €331,760, whereas its estimate was between €300,000 and €320,000. 

Value order ranging from simple to prestigious

History and development of marine pistols

Pistols were developed at the end of the Ancien Régime by the various French arms manufacturers (Kligenthal, Châtellerault, Saint Étienne and 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 on 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 vast majority of the Empire's wars were fought with these weapons, although there were a few spinning-wheel pistols, 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, including the widespread use of octagonal barrels.

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

The success of marine pistols in collections    

Marine pistols are very popular at auction, as they are a sought-after collector's item. Production was very high, as this weapon was used for a long time and equipped many armies.

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

Reasons to auction a marine pistol  

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

These objects are not just weapons, but a historical testimony to the scientific evolution of weapons design.

Knowing the value of a marine pistol     

If you own a marine pistol from any period and would like to know its value, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using the 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, our specialists will also be on hand to help you find alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.