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LOT 3342
Cased Pair of Elaborate Etched, Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Percussion Pistols by Brun
in Grenoble
-A) Brun Percussion
Pistol - NSN, 47 cal., 8
inch octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened/gold finish,
walnut stock. These mid-
19th century percussion
pistols were likely designed for target shooting rather than dueling given their adjustable sights
and features rifled etched Damascus steel barrels with dovetailed front sights, “DAMAS D’ACIER
DE PARIS” in gold inlay on the top flats, and scroll engraved breech plugs with nicely shaped
bolsters. The standing breeches incorporate screw adjustable notch rear sights, gold inlaid “1” and
“2” markings respectively, and long scroll engraved tangs that reach back to the swelled pommels.
The back action locks have the same scroll engraving and “BRUN A GRENOBLE” signed in gold
inlay behind the hammers. Brun is noted as a gunmaker active in Grenoble, France, c. 1835-1855
in “Der Neue Stockel” by Heer. The pistols are fired using adjustable single set triggers contained
within spurred trigger guards with coordinating scroll engraving. The domed pommel caps are
also scroll engraved, and the stocks have Schnabel style forend tips, copper wedge escutcheons,
and panels of very fine checkering on the sides of the wrists. The pair comes within a fitted case
with marquetry on the lid, brass corners, and a set of loading and maintenance equipment that
includes a mallet, loading and cleaning rods, cleaning attachments, ladle, ball mold, reversible
screwdriver/nipple wrench, oiler, ornate powder flask, container, and key.
CONDITION: Fine with distinct Damascus patterns and much of the original blue finish along
the barrel, bright original gold inlays, mostly smooth gray patina on the balance, some faint
oxidation/pitting mainly at the muzzle and breech, crisp engraving, and mostly mild age and
storage related wear. The stock is also fine with mild dings and scratches and mostly crisp checkering. Front sight blade absent. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are also fine and have minor age and storage related wear, some faint polished pitting on the mold and ladle, and fading and contact wear on the lining.
B) Brun Percussion Pistol - NSN, 47 cal., 8 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/gold finish, walnut stock. As described in “A”.
CONDITION: Fine with distinct Damascus patterns and around half of the original blue finish along the barrel, bright original gold inlays, mostly smooth gray patina on the balance, some faint pitting, crisp engraving, and mostly mild age and storage related wear. The stock is also fine with mild dings and scratches, light storage wear, and mostly crisp checkering. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
LOT 3343
Very Fine Cased Pair of Percussion Dueling/Target Pistols by Theodore Bodson of Liege
-A) Th. Bodson Percussion
Pistol - NSN, 11 mm cal., 10
1/4 inch octagon bbl., blue/
French gray finish, walnut
stock. Theodore Bodson was
registered with the Liege
proofhouse in 1843-1851. This pair’s blued octagonal barrels each feature a dovetailed blade front sight, “Th. Bodson Arq a Liege” in gold inlaid script, and breech plugs with “1” and “2” respectively in gold inlay. The standing breeches also feature non-adjustable notch rear sights and “1” and “2” in respectively in gold inlay. The underside of the barrels each have “DDB”, and the first pistol also has the Liege “EL” proofmark. The locks and furniture are engraved with scrollwork. The figured walnut half-length stocks have coordinating relief carved scrollwork on the forends and fluted wrists. The pair comes in a fitted case with loading and cleaning rods, two ebony containers, a double cavity ball mold, a reversible screwdriver and nipple wrench with ebony handle and carved staghorn cap, small measure, a few balls, and a key.
CONDITION: Very fine overall with 95% plus original blue finish and bright gold on the barrel,
smooth French gray on the lock and furniture, crisp engraving, distinct carving and fluting on the
stock, attractive figure, and minor wear from mainly age and storage. Mechanically fine. The case
and accessories are fine with age and storage wear, modified lock plate in lid, and fading on the lining.
B) Th. Bodson Percussion Pistol - NSN, 11 mm cal., 10 1/4 inch octagon bbl., blue/French gray finish, walnut stock. As described in “A”.
CONDITION: Very fine overall with 95% plus original blue finish and bright gold on the barrel, smooth French gray on the lock and furniture, crisp engraving and carving, distinct fluting on the stock along with attractive figure, and generally some light marks and scratches from age and storage. Mechanically fine.
208 Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500