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LOT 3300
Exceptional Cased Exhibition Quality Relief Chiseled and Carved
Lepage Moutier Adams’ Patent Double Action Percussion Revolver -
Serial no. 11948, 45 cal., 6 3/8 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, relief carved
ebony grips. This revolver was built in Liege for and likely embellished and
finished in Paris by Lepage Moutier c. 1856. We have seen other Lepage
Moutier Adams revolvers in several variations. Though built with a spurred
hammer, this revolver is a double action only revolver like the original
Adams revolvers and does not incorporate the Beaumont’s patent that
allows for use in single action or double action. It also retains the earlier
frame style. The barrel has a dovetailed bead style blade front sight and
is inscribed “Lepage Moutier a Paris.” The breech end of the barrel, the
frame, and the trigger guard have deep relief floral scroll engraving. The
cylinder has engraved “C” scrolls and floral patterns, and the grip cap has
raised relief floral patterns. The grip has coordinating floral scroll relief
carving. The left side of the frame has “ADAMS/1856/PATENT” in an oval
within a engraved bloom, and the right side of the frame has “ADAMS’
PATENT 11948” along a tendril of the scroll engraving. The cylinder has
Liege proofs, “11948” on the side, and “10” on the rear face. The revolver
comes in a closely fitted rosewood case with the initials “C.C’ under a bust
of a knight with a rampant hound crest on the helm. A cleaning rod, nipple
wrench, powder flask, dual cavity bullet mold numbered to the revolver,
screwdriver, and several bullets are included.
CONDITION: Extremely fine with 85% plus original high polish blue
finish, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, crisp markings and
engraving, and minor overall wear associated with age and storage. The
attractive ebony grip is also excellent and has crisp relief carving, a few
slight flakes at the edges, and minor handling wear. Mechanically fine. The
accessories are generally very fine to excellent with the exception of the
flask spring which is broken. The case is fine and has some slivers absent
from the lower edges, a few cracks, and general mild wear. This is a very
attractive cased set centered on a finely embellished Adams’ revolver likely
owned by a French gentleman or officer during the reign of Napoleon III.
Estimate: 9,000 - 14,000
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