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LOT 3394
Exceptional Pair of Engraved Gastinne-Renette Retailed Percussion Dueling/Target Pistols with Two-Tiered Case and Accessories -A) Dueling/Target Pistol - NSN, 11 mm cal., 10 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The firm of Gastinne-Renette originated around 1812 and was cemented by the marriage of Louis-Julien Gastinne and Joséphine Adèle Renette, son and daughter of the founders. By the second half of the 19th century, they were the premiere source for dueling pistols in Paris. They even rented sets like this and trained duelists how to use them effectively. They manufactured high end firearms for Napoleon III, the King of Spain, Annie Oakley, and many other notable figures. While dueling had mostly faded into obscurity in England and the U.S. by the time these were made, pistol and sword duels in France and other areas of Continental Europe continued into the early 20th century. These pistols were proofed in Liege and retailed by Gastinne-Renette of Paris in the late 1800s. They have “1” and “2” respectively in gold on the casehardened breech plugs and standing breeches, “FNI PAR GASTINNE-RENETTE A PARIS.” marked on the top of the blued barrels, Liege proofs, “24.” assembly marks, dovetailed blade front sights, and fixed notch rear sights on the standing breeches. They have casehardened scroll engraved floating island locks and furniture including spurred trigger guards with nice scroll accents. Well-figured checkered half-stocks with checkered butts and “JNI” stamped inside the forends. They come in their original two-tier oak case with “GASTINNE-RENETTE/PARIS” in gold lettering inside the lid, closely fitted interior with bright green baize lining and an assortment of loading and cleaning tools as well as a copy of “Imitation de Jesus-Christ” from 1823. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 95% plus original blue and 85% casehardened finish and minor handling and storage wear. The stock is excellent and has crisp checkering and only minimal handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are generally very fine with minor age and storage related wear. Unsurprisingly, the book shows more age and wear. B) Dueling/Target Pistol - NSN, 11 mm cal., 10 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 95% plus original blue finish and 85% casehardened finish and minor handling and storage wear. The stock is excellent and has crisp checkering, a few dings, and slight handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 3395
Pair of Engraved and Relief Carved European Percussion Dueling Pistols -A) Percussion Dueling Pistol - NSN, 54 cal., 9 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/gold finish, walnut stock. These c. 1840s French style dueling pistols have rifled barrels with dovetailed blade front sights near the muzzles, “Acier Fondu”(fluid steel) in gold inlay on top, and small conjoined letters on the bottoms that are similar to the Liege provisional proofs but different. The breech plugs and standing breeches have gold inlaid “1”
and “2” markings for the pair. The pistols feature scroll engraving, plain triggers, spurred trigger guards, spire shaped pommel studs, and nicely figured walnut stocks with relief carved scrollwork and fluted butts. CONDITION: Fine with 85% plus original blue finish, bright original gold, mostly dark brown and gray patina on the balance, distinct engraving, light oxidation, and general mild overall wear. The stock is very fine and has crisp carving and fluting, attractive figure in the wrist, mild edge wear mainly on the left flat, and some light scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. B) Percussion Dueling Pistol - NSN, 54 cal., 9 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/gold finish, walnut stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Fine with 75% plus original blue finish, bright original gold, mostly dark brown and gray patina on the balance, distinct engraving, mild oxidation, and general mild overall wear. The stock is very fine and has crisp carving and fluting, attractive figure in the wrist, minor edge wear, and some light scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
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