A very attractive platinum pistol à la miquelet (de patilla) - Lot 190

A very attractive platinum pistol à la miquelet (de patilla). Smooth octagonal barrel, then round in 12-gauge per pound. The lock body bears a recessed stamp typical of Spanish arms. Attractive walnut frame with tartan checkered grip, a carving hemmed with pyramid motifs extends the breech tail to the lip of the cap. Brass-mounted weapon, in the French style. Stepped oval cap truncated at front and rear. Barrel mounted with key. French escutcheon engraved with initials between the two lock screws. The combination of the Spanish style of the lock and the French style of the frame suggests that it was ordered from a Spanish gunsmith by a French officer in the service of Joseph Bonaparte. Overall length 400mm including 240mm barrel length. Beautifully made gun. Functional mechanism. Iron ramrod probably later (1)