Maltese Flintlocks: Girard Mle 1733 Pistols of the Order of St. John

Published on August 10, 2018
Duration: 10:15

Ian McCollum provides an in-depth look at the Girard Mle 1733 Maltese Flintlock Pistols, detailing their historical context with the Order of St. John, manufacturing origins in Saint-Étienne, and distinct long and short patterns. The video highlights their rarity today, with only a few examples known to survive.

Quick Summary

The Girard Mle 1733 Maltese Flintlock Pistols are rare 18th-century firearms ordered by the Order of St. John from Girard & Compagnie in Saint-Étienne, France. They feature the Maltese cross and come in long (300mm) and short (240mm) barrel patterns, with the short versions often ordered in pairs. These pistols are highly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and extreme rarity today.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Maltese Flintlocks
  2. 00:34History of the Order of St. John
  3. 02:09Wealth and Corsairing
  4. 03:21The 1759 Arms Order
  5. 03:59Pistol Patterns and Specifications
  6. 05:44Distinctive Markings
  7. 06:32Manufacturer and Subcontracting
  8. 07:58French Conquest and Rarity

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Girard Mle 1733 Maltese Flintlock Pistols?

The Girard Mle 1733 Maltese Flintlock Pistols are rare 18th-century firearms produced by Girard & Compagnie in Saint-Étienne, France, for the Order of St. John in Malta. They feature the Maltese cross and exist in distinct long and short barrel patterns.

Who manufactured the Girard Mle 1733 pistols?

These pistols were manufactured by Girard & Compagnie in Saint-Étienne, France. However, the lock markings indicate that Girard often subcontracted the work to various workshops within Saint-Étienne, with internal markings identifying individual barrel makers.

What is the historical significance of the Girard Mle 1733 pistols?

They represent a significant arms order by the Order of St. John before their expulsion from Malta. These pistols were later seized by Napoleon Bonaparte's forces and subsequently by the British, adding to their complex historical narrative.

How rare are the Girard Mle 1733 Maltese Flintlock Pistols today?

The Girard Mle 1733 pistols are exceptionally rare. It is estimated that only about 5 of the long-barreled versions and approximately 50 of the short-barreled versions are known to still exist in collections worldwide.

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