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FINE & RARE PAIR OF NAPOLEONIC FLINTLOCK BOXLOCK

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
FINE & RARE PAIR OF NAPOLEONIC FLINTLOCK BOXLOCK

PISTOLS BY NICHOLAS NOEL BOUTET A VERSAILLES.
Cal. 44. S# NSN. The 1 1/8" smooth bore turn off barrels are marked "1" & "2" with matching numbers on boxlock actions. Actions are fitted with centrally hung serpentine cocks, frizzens with internal springs and sliding button safetys that engage at half cock and also lock frizzens in closed position. When brought to full cock, triggers extend. The neck of the cocks are filed and engraved in the shape of stylized dolphins. Actions are engraved with bead borders and some scroll. Right sides are also engraved "Boutet" "Directeur" "Artiste". Left sides are engraved "Manufre" "Versailles". Nicholas Noel Boutet was gunmaker to Napoleon Bonaparte as well as the director of the Versailles Manufactory. He is the most renowned of all gunmakers and his signed firearms and swords prized by museums and collectors alike. Checkered walnut short bag grips have deep relief bead carving along back strap. CONDITION: good, showing overall cleaning of metal to bright polish over some scattered very light pitting. Grips retain most of their original finish over many marks and bumps. Bores are bright and shiny, pistols are mechanically good. (01-21866). ANTIQUE. $6,000-8,000.