Cased Pair of Engraved and Gold Inlaid Boutet Percussion Pistols
An exceptional cased pair by Nicolas Noel Boutet of Versailles, one of Europe’s most renowned gunmakers of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This rare and highly collectible set offers major historical appeal, gold-inlaid markings, matching pair numbering, distinctive mechanisms, and a fitted case with accessories.
- Made by French master gunsmith Nicolas Noel Boutet (1761–1833), celebrated as one of the most important European gunmakers of his era
- Matching-numbered pair:
- Both barrels are numbered “115” in gold on top
- Pistols are identified as “1” and “2” on the tops of the barrels and upper tangs
- The pistols are not built identically, adding strong collector interest through their contrasting original ignition systems and mechanisms
- Both pistols were converted from earlier ignition systems to use percussion caps
- Both feature swamped smoothbore barrels, meaning the barrels have an elegant tapered-and-flared profile associated with high-grade period arms
- Both barrels are gold-inlaid with:
- “BOUTET”
- “A VERSAILLES”
- “115”
- Both pistols include:
- Silver blade front sights
- Gold bands at the muzzles
- Sighting grooves
- Spurred trigger guards
- Adjustable single set triggers
- Nicely figured stocks
- Checkered wrists for grip and visual refinement
- Gold wedge escutcheons
- Domed pommel caps
- Pistol No. 1:
- Originally a traditional side lock flintlock
- Marked “-BOUTET-” in gold
- Features the same “BBD” monogram on the gold wrist escutcheon
- Fitted with engraved side plates decorated in a shell and wing pattern
- Pistol No. 2:
- Features an interesting boxlock mechanism
- Originally a pill-lock pistol
- Marked “-BOUTET-” in gold just behind the hammer and ahead of the notch rear sight
- Has a gold oval-shaped escutcheon engraved with a monogram that appears to consist of the letters “BBD”
- A comparable pair of pistols like the second pistol, but with both percussion and pill-lock hammers, is pictured in “The Manufacture d’Armes de Versailles” by Dean Taylor—an important reference connection that enhances the scholarly and collector appeal of this set
- Fitted case included:
- Lid escutcheon marked “MANUFACTURE/a Versailles/NN. BOUTET”
- Case displays attractive flame figure
- Accessories included in the case:
- Horn flask with golden fittings
- One loading rod; one loading rod is absent
- Pill primer
- Screwdriver
- Ball mold
- Oiler
- Knapping hammer
- Mallet
- Cleaning rod
- A desirable Boutet cased pair with gold details, matching numbering, personalized monograms, documented Versailles association, and unusual mixed original mechanisms—an important opportunity for collectors of fine French arms, Napoleonic-era craftsmanship, and historically significant European gunmaking.
A) Boutet Side Lock Pistol
Fine with 30% brown finish, bright gold, 75% case colors, some spots of oxidation/pitting, and mild wear. The stock is very fine and has crisp checkering, attractive figure, light scratches, and small dings. The set trigger needs adjustments, but the lock is mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are fine and have mostly minor storage wear, and the case lid has some thin cracks and chipping on one corner.
B) Boutet Boxlock Pistol
Very fine with 60% brown finish, bright gold, 70% bright niter blue on the hammer, 70% case colors, mild oxidation and pitting mainly on the barrel, and mild wear. The stock is very fine and has crisp checkering, attractive figure, and some scratches and dings. Mechanically needs work.
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