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He earned an Honorable Mention at the French Industrial
Exposition of 1834, silver medals at the exhibitions in 1839 and
1841, and numerous other awards at the World’s Fairs in the 1840s
to 1860s. These pistols are dated 1852, the same year Napoleon
III became Emperor of the French, and the same year Devisme
made a pair of pinfire pistols for the new emperor. This lavish pair
features rifled, blued, octagonal barrels with bead front sights
on thin dovetailed bases, “Devisme a Paris” in silver inlay on the
top flats, silver inlaid floral designs and bands, “No 1110” on the
bottom ahead of the forends, and “DEVISME/No 1110 AN 1852/A
PARIS” marked on the bottom towards at the breech. Matching
serial numbers are also marked on the breech hooks, wedges, and
trigger guard tangs. The standing breeches have notch rear sights
and “1” and “2” respectively inscribed amongst the intricate scroll
engraving. The locks have “DEVISME/A PARIS” in banners among
the scroll engraving and stepped tails. The mounts also feature fine
scroll engraving, and the highly figured walnut stocks have relief
scroll carving, fluted wrists, and blank silver inscription shields on
the wrists. The stunning rosewood case has engraved and pierced
brass inlaid designs on the lid, “26 BOULEVART DES ITALIENS/
DEVISME/ARQUEBUSIER BREVETE” in gold lettering inside the
lid, green interior lining, and fitted compartments for the pistols
and a set of coordinating loading and maintenance equipment,
including an engraved bullet mold.
CONDITION: Extremely fine with attractive age darkened
patina on the silver inlays, 80% plus original blue
finish on the barrel, French gray finish and gray
and brown patina on the balance, crisp
engraving and markings, minor oxidation,
and mostly only light storage wear. The
stock is fine and has crisp carving,
lovely figure, a crack between the
lock and trigger plate finial, and minor storage marks. Mechanically
excellent. The case and accessories are also very fine and have mild
age and storage related wear including some faint cracks.
B) Devisme Percussion Pistol - Serial no. 1110, 45 cal., 9 3/4 inch
octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, deluxe walnut stock.
As described in “A.”
CONDITION: Extremely fine with attractive age darkened patina
on the silver inlays, 70% plus original blue finish on the barrel,
French gray finish and gray and brown patina on the balance,
crisp engraving and markings, minor oxidation, and generally only
minor storage wear. The stock is also very fine and has crisp carving,
stunning figure, and minor storage marks. Mechanically excellent.
This is a beautiful cased set and a fine example of why Devisme
remains one of the most renowned Parisian gunmakers.
Estimate: 20,000 - 35,000