Help ID-ing this pistol?

[whithill]

Just found this about 10 inches down in the sand along the east coast of Lake Michigan. Can anyone tell what kind of gun it is, and about how old? One pic is how it looked when just dug, last pic is after a few hours in electrolysis. Can't tell if the current is actually accomplishing anything. I'm doing better by just gently chipping away the cement-like sand. What kind of metal would this be? I'd welcome any suggestions for better cleaning too. Thanks!

 

[Higgy]

A pistol that old may be damascus steel.

 

[Aussie]

There are some real experts on here that I'm sure will have lots of info soon.
All I can say is that I'm pretty sure it's a flintlock, an old one too. Great find, I'd be really happy with that.

 

[Higgy]

There are some real experts on here that I'm sure will have lots of info soon.
All I can say is that I'm pretty sure it's a flintlock, an old one too. Great find, I'd be really happy with that.

Well I can tell you that its no flintlock. Its a caplock.

 

[coinman123]

Nice pistol!

 

[diverrick]

Sure looks like a cap lock. How about a dueling pistol? Just a guess mind you.
Kinda like this one: 1822 French Caplock Conversion Pistol
The trigger being straight is unusual, so is the trigger guard.

 

[Lifes A Garden...Dig IT]

That is a cool find.

 

[CoinandRelicMan]

Thats a find seldom seen here and a very old pistol to boot !