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EXTREMELY RARE AND DESIRABLE PAIR OF FLINTLOCK GENERAL OFFICER'S PISTOLS BY "BOUTET ET FILS" OF VERS

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
EXTREMELY RARE AND DESIRABLE PAIR OF FLINTLOCK GENERAL OFFICER'S PISTOLS BY  BOUTET ET FILS  OF VERS
NSN. Numbered "415" on both pistols. Boutet flintlock military pistols are amongst the most desirable French empire period pistols. The oct bbls are engraved on the flats "manufacture Imperial of Versailles". Additionally, the Boutet stamp and the Manufacturer Royale stamp appear. The large bores are microgroove rifled. The locks are engraved "Boutet et Fils a Versailles". All screws are finely engraved and finely filed with typical French clocks. The walnut fullstops are finely checkered. Plain trigger guard screw, finely engraved. Silver buttcaps are beautifully capped and chased with raised relief Medusa head and Paris silver discharge mark, "slightly rubbed". Consignor states that these pistols were acquired by her father, noted collector John Susen, in the 1940's in Italy in an Antique Store and have not been offered for sale since that time. NOTES: Boutet general officer's pistols rarely appear either privately or at auction in the United States. They represent one of the rarest types of European martial pistols and as with all Boutets, exhibit the very highest quality throughout. PROVENANCE: John Susen Collection.   CONDITION: Pistols are all original except for ramrods. Comb of cock on one pistol broken and poorly repaired. Top jaw replaced otherwise crisp overall bbls heavily cleaned, bearing faint traces of original gilding at breech. Stock on one pistol with losses at muzzle end on both sides. 4-48383 MZ34