Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

John Paul Jones Flintlock Pistol
1770-1790
Cassaignard
France: Nantes
Brass, wood
12"w x 2"d
Loaned by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts
GL2004.12131

Brown wooden and brass-tone metal flintlock pistol. Metal and wood sections are both decorated with scrollwork designs.

This pistol, made by French maker Cassaignard, belonged to Captain John Paul Jones (1747-1792). He may have purchased it—and possibly two others—when he visited Nantes in December 1777. According to family history, this pistol is one of three that Jones had in the 1779 naval engagement between his ship, the Bonhomme Richard, and the British HMS Serapis. Jones’ defeat of the British ship made him a household name and boosted American morale. For further information, see Newell, Aimee, et.al., "Curiosities of the Craft: Treasures from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts Collection", 2013, p. 238-239.