Needing help with identification of pistol

[Dantforth]

I believe this to be a Flobert type parlour pistol or duelling pistol. It is smoothbore. Barrel is pristine as is the rest of the pistol. Only markings are either a makers mark or a proof mark. A serial number and a couple of assembly numbers. A friend believes it may be French or Belgian made. Can someone identify the maker, country of origin and time period. Is this an antique? No dates! Thanks, Dave

 

[220]

Where is the rest of it?

 

[Dantforth]

220, from my meager understanding it's action is somewhat similar to a rolling block. The hammer acts as the block and, in my photo, the hammer is back as if you were loading a cartridge. The pistol is complete. Mostly I am trying to find someone who can identify the mark and the era. I will try to take a photo of the pistol with action closed and post here later today. David

 

[Dantforth]

Well, I doggedly kept looking on line and finally was successful. I found an exact match in a pair of duelling pistols. I will copy the info here for all to see. Makers mark shown in photos is exact to the pistol my friend has.

Flobert

Støckel: Flobert, Louis Nicolas Auguste, Paris, developed 1847 his rim fire cartridge, which is patented 23 July 1849. At the same time he develops his breech-system. In 1855 he opens his shop at 12 Bd St. Michel, where he offers highly decorated weapons. According to a Belgian collector friend the Flobert System is created by Julien Warnant.

 

[wr.sainsbury]

Respectfully suggest that they are Parlor pistols not duellers as they are made for indoor use with a very low power cartridge. After a dinner party the gents would retire to the parlour for cigars and whisky and set up a target in the fireplace and take turns shooting while the ladies took tea. I have several- all French-including one by Gastinne-Renette . LePage also made them and another maker was Loron. Seemed to be a fad in the 1850-1880 period. Nice to have. Have one identical to the ebony stocked pair that was converted to in-line percussion in .43 cal long ago. Cheers