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Pair of Engraved Silver Inlaid French Percussion Target Pistols by Gosset

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,750.00 - 4,500.00 USD
Pair of Engraved Silver Inlaid French Percussion Target Pistols by Gosset
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Estimate: $2750 - 4500
A) Manufacturer: Gosset Model: Percussion
This is a nice example of a matched pair of 19th Century percussion target pistols made by Gosset of Paris. The pistols have browned, Damascus finished barrels with casehardened hammer, lock, spur finger trigger guard and buttcap. "GOSSET/A PARIS" is inlaid in silver on the top and right barrel flats and "FNI PAR" is inlaid in silver on the left barrel flat. "Gosset A. Paris" is engraved on the lock plate in front of the hammer with deer behind the hammer on pistol "A" and a wolf on the "B" pistol. The lock, hammer and barrel tang are engraved with floral designs. The top barrel flat at the breech is numbered "1' and the muzzle has a "2" over stamped on a "3" and the "B" gun is stamped with a "2" on the top flat of the barrel and breech plug and "1" on the muzzle. The stocks are oil finished European walnut. Dovetailed blade front sight, integral rear target sight and set trigger. The stock has relief carved forend and flat, flared butt with relief-carved edges, fine borderless checkering on the grip and floral engraved buttcap. The side plates are shaped and engraved in the form of two finely detailed swans. A heron is engraved on an oval panel on the bottom of the trigger guard. The trigger guards have vine shaped finials with delicate Boutet quality engraving.
BBL: 8 1/2 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 50 Perc
Finish: brown/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition:
Fine. The barrel retains 60% of the period refurbished brown finish with all of the Damascus pattern visible. The silver-inlaid maker's name and address are crisp The case colors on the lock plate and part of the trigger guard are vivid with a smooth dark patina on the balance of the trigger guard and on the hammer. Half of the case colors on the barrel tang and side plate remain with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The action needs work, the hammer does not hold a full cock and not always a half cock. The delicate engraving remains crisp. The stock is fine with sharp edges, relief carving and checkering.
B) Manufacturer: Gosset Model: Percussion
Described in "A".
BBL: 8 1/2 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 50 Perc
Finish: brown/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition:
Fine. The barrel retains 40% of the period refurbished brown finish with all of the Damascus pattern remaining. There is a small amount of scattered very minor pitting on the barrel. The lock and hammer retain at least 90% original bright case colors. The lower tang, trigger guard and barrel tang retain half of the original vivid case colors with a smooth dove gray on the balance. The side plate and butt cap have a smooth gray patina with traces of original case colors around the side plate screw. The stock is also very fine with a few minor dents, sharp flats and carving, and crisp checkering. All of the silver inlay remains and the markings and engraving are clear. The action is fine.