I need help identifying this 18th century flintlock.

[Mr. La]

My Grandfather brought this pistol back from France after WW2. We have been told it was one of a set of French dueling pistols. All, or nothing, of this story may be true.

I’m hoping this community can help identify any proofing marks or generally give me some avenues to identify it further.

The bore measures 0.59” (15mm), and is not rifled.

Thank you all in advance.

 

[AlexanderA]

That style of stock says "early 19th century" to me. I can't see any maker's markings on the lockplate.

It was not well taken care of. Note the severe rusting of the cock and frizzen, and the bent front tang of the trigger guard.

 

[entropy]

It's not as graceful as most duelling pistols of any era, it looks more like a cavalier's small saddle gun. The kind they'd have a brace of slung off the pommel in holsters. It's almost small enough to be a greatcoat pistol. Duelling pistol would be about my last guess.

 

[bihj]

Dueling pistols usually were marked with a numeral '1' or '2' on the tang or at the rear of the barrel.

 

[Jim Watson]

Something to repulse highwaymen. Lacking a maker's name or proof mark there isn't much to say.
The little figure on the barrel might signify a maker, or did back then.