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LOT 280
Desirable
Horse Head Pommel
Saber with Scabbard - This early
19th century saber features a distinctive silver plated
brass hilt with a detailed horse’s head for the pommel, a checkered ivory grip, 30
3/4 inch blade when measured straight from hilt to tip, foliate and martial etching with alternating gilt and bright
sections set against a nitre blue background, and a black leather scabbard with silvered brass fittings.
CONDITION: Very good with some silver remaining on the hilt and scabbard fittings, aged patina, most of the
bright nitre blue and gold remaining on the fine bright blade with some oxidation staining, loose scabbard
fittings, flaking of the leather, minor age lines and flakes on the grip, and general mild overall wear. Overall, a very
attractive and distinct saber.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 279
Engraved and Gold Inlaid Boutet a Versailles
Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 50 cal., 8 5/8 inch octagon
bbl., blue/gold/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This pistol from Nicolas-
Noel Boutet (1761-1833) comes from his shop in Paris c. 1818-1822 after
the downfall of Napoleon. The Victoria & Albert
Museum states, “When Boutet left Versailles in
1818 he set up at No. 87 Rue de Richelieu in Paris but
continued to use the signature, ‘Boutet à Versailles.’” They also indicate that
the serial number on the barrel is consistent with Boutet’s private work after
1818. The heavily swamped Damascus barrel has fine “microgroove” rifling,
a dovetailed nickel-silver blade front sight, gold bands inlaid at the muzzle
and on the breech plug, “95” in gold inlay on top towards the front sight,
grooved breech, “Boutet” on the upper left flat and “A Versailles” on the upper
right flat inlaid in gold with floral and scroll accents, gold fleur-de-lis marks
on the upper left and upper right flats of the breech plug, platinum vent
liner, Leclerc’s “LC” maker’s mark on the underside of the breech plug, “.No.95.” marked just behind the tenon, and “1” on
the breech hook and just ahead of the forend indicating this was the first pistol in a
since separated pair. “1” is also found on the stock and standing breech. The latter is
grooved and has a notch rear sight. The flat beveled edge lock is signed “BOUTET”
in gold with foliate accents and border along with a guttered and platinum lined
priming pan, frizzen spring roller, sculpted frizzen and cock, and sliding half-cock
safety. The pistol is equipped with an adjustable single triggers, and the trigger plate has a vase motif finial with incredible detail in the relief chiseled floral patterns.
The spurred trigger guard and other mounts also feature delicate floral engraving and “scooped” designs. The nicely figured walnut half-stock is slender and beautifully shaped and
has silver escutcheons, fine checkering on the wrist with scalloped molding at the edges, and a flared relief chiseled pommel.
CONDITION: Very good with bright gold and platinum, traces of original blue and casehardened finish, gray and brown patina on the balance, repaired cock, light pitting, and general mild
overall wear. The stock is fine and has distinct checkering, small crack on the left at the breech, and mild dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 7,000 - 9,000
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