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LOT 3263
Beautiful Cased Pair of Engraved Etched and Carved Devisme Percussion Pistols -A) Devisme Pistol - NSN, 60 cal., 7 1/4 inch octagon bbl., bright/
gold finish, ebony stock. These attractive pistols come from the shop of famed Parisian gunmaker Jean Louis-Francois Devisme (active 1833-1886), one of the finest arms makers in French history. He was an innovator both artistically and technically. The rather large caliber and pommel caps suggests they might
have been made with a military officer in mind, but these pistols would have also certainly been suitable for a duel. The locks, barrels, and trigger guards are etched with scroll and dot patterns. “Devisme A Paris” is among the designs on the top of the barrels. There are no serial numbers or other markings. The large swelled caps are heavily engraved and gold washed. The stocks have elaborate floral carving. They are equipped with fixed bead and notch sights and plain triggers. The gilt-steel ramrod tips thread of and flip to be used as worms. The case has very attractive marquetry inlay patterns on the lid, burgundy lining, a rosewood mallet, brass oiler, drum shaped rosewood container, rod attachments, “B.A. PARIS” marked flask, “27” marked round ball mold, cleaning and loading
176 rods, and key.
CONDITION: Fine with mostly silver-gray patina, some light brown patina on the trigger guard, traces of original gilding on the cap and otherwise aged patina, crisp engraving and etching, and generally mild wear. The stock is good and has some cracks along the forend, light scratches, crisp carving, and attractive black coloration throughout. Mechanically excellent. The
case is excellent and has minimal age and storage related wear. The accessories range from fine to very fine and also mostly have mild age and storage related wear along with a broken spring on the flask and some oxidation on the mold. B) Devisme Pistol - NSN, 60 cal., 7 1/4 inch octagon bbl., bright/silver finish, ebony stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Fine with traces of original silver on the cap, mostly silver- gray patina on the remaining metal, distinct etching and engraving, and minor oxidation. The stock is also fine and has crisp carving,
light scratches, a small chip on the left at the breech, somewhat loose pommel section, and a slight crack above the tail of the lock. Mechanically fine. This is a very attractive and rather distinctive set by one of the greatest French arms makers in history.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000