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Firearms from the Cabinet d’Armes are rarely publicly available and highly sought after. Most of the known examples are among the foremost works
of firearms art in major institutional collections, including examples in the United States at the Art Institute of Chicago, The Walters Art Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art as well as others scattered across Europe. The Met’s impressive flintlock gun from makers Pierre and Marin Le Bourgeois is also dated to approximately 1620 and was purchased at auction a half century ago at the cost of $300,000, a price now over $2 million adjusted for inflation, a clear demonstration of the significance of Louis XIII’s incredible collection. CONDITION: Very fine considering its age and in a remarkable state of “as found” original condition. The majority of the awe inspiring, intricate gold
and age darkened silver remains on the impressive 3.5’ foot barrel with a dark background and some faint oxidation. The lock remains mostly bright with some faint pitting around the bright gilt fittings and has crisp engraving and a distinct “FP” maker’s mark. The mounts retain the majority of gilt finish with some age rubbing to the edges and high points with a gray patina to the balance. The blued backing plates retain nearly all of their bright original finish. The stock
is fine aside from a crack towards the rear of the forearm which has pushed a section of the ramrod entry out of alignment and resulted in some loss to the wire inlay (some elements including a flower-head present), and a cracked rear portion of the cheekpiece. The inlaid plaques retain much original gilt finish. Overall the stock and mounts show evidence of an older protective varnished finish. The butt has a later wooden extension measuring approximately 5/8 inch between the end of the butt and the heel plate, this is almost certainly replacing an older piece as the heel plate is slightly larger than the existing end of the butt and is slightly recessed suggesting a decorative band may once have been fitted. The lock has not been tested. This is a truly magnificent work of firearms art from the famous Cabinet d’Armes of the first European gun collector: King Louis XIII of France. Chances to acquire pieces of early 17th century firearms artistry like this are scarce and fleeting. Do not miss this once in a lifetime opportunity! Provenance: The Cabinet d’Armes of King Louis XIII of France;
The W. Keith Neal Collection; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 250,000 - 425,000
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