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LOT 3256
Exceptional Cased Pair of Engraved, Gold Inlaid, and Relief Carved Theodore Bodson Percussion Dueling/Target Pistols -A) Bodson Percussion Pistol - NSN, 45 cal., 10 1/4 inch octagon bbl., blue/gold/grey finish, walnut stock. Theodore Bodson of Liege was active c. 1843-1851. This stunning pair of pistols has rifled barrels with dovetailed blade front sights and “Th Bodson Arq a Liege” in gold inlaid script on top. The breeches and standing breeches have “1” and “2” in gold inlay. The latter also have notch rear sights. The furniture has scroll engraving. The figured walnut stocks have relief carved scroll patterns at the forend tips and fluted wrists. They come in a fitted case with containers for caps and patches, a dual cavity mold, combination screwdriver/nipple wrench, measure, loading and cleaning rods, and a few balls. CONDITION: Excellent with 90% plus original blue finish and bright gold remaining the barrel, smooth French gray on the lock and furniture, and generally only minor handling and storage wear, including some very slight oxidation. The stock is also excellent and has crisp carving, attractive figure, and some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are fine and have mild age and storage related wear including fading and staining on the lining. B) Bodson Percussion Pistol - NSN, 45 cal., 10 1/4 inch octagon bbl., blue/gold/grey finish, walnut stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Excellent with 95% plus original blue finish and bright gold on the barrel, nice case colors on the breech plug, smooth French gray on the balance, some minor handling and storage marks, and very minimal light oxidation. The stock is also excellent and has crisp carving, attractive figure, some light scratches, and a few dings. Mechanically excellent. This is a stunning pair of Liegoise percussion target pistols from the mid-19th century. Estimate: 7,000 - 10,000
LOT 3257
Exceptional Cased Pair of Gastinne-Renette Percussion Dueling or Target Pistols with Accessories -A) Gastinne-Renette Dueling/Target Pistol - NSN, 11 mm cal., 10 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The firm of Gastinne-Renette, one of the finest 19th century French gunmakers, was famous for offering dueling lessons with pistols in their shooting gallery in the center of Paris until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. Dating to the 1890s, these pistols have blued octagonal rifled barrels with fluted central sections, signed “FNI PAR GASTINNE-RENETTE A PARIS” towards the breech and with blued front sights. Scroll engraved casehardened patent breeches, standing breeches incorporating blued notch rear sights, and floating “island” detented locks with stepped tails. Furniture including scroll engraved casehardened trigger plates and pommels, and blued spurred trigger guards. Well-figured walnut half length stock with fine multipoint checkered butt. Belgian black powder proof marks. In original close fitted wooden case lined in dark green baize, the lid lining with gilt maker’s details “GASTINNE-RENETTE / PARIS”. With accessories including bullet mold marked “V. BESSY ST. ETIENNE”, loading and cleaning rods, and loading mallet. The lid of the case with large brass shield shaped escutcheon engraved with a monogram, the hinge edge of the case with brown leather carrying handle. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 97% plus original casehardened and blued finish throughout. The engraving is clear and sharp. The stock is also excellent with well-defined checkering and a minor dent near the toe. Mechanically excellent. The case is in very good condition with some minor external age related storage marks, and the lid is cracked across the middle. The lining is very good with minimal marks from the pistols and accessories and some slight fading. The accessories are also in good condition. B) Gastinne-Renette Dueling/Target Pistol - NSN, 11 mm cal., 10 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. See “A”. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 97% plus original casehardened and blued finish throughout. The engraving is clear and sharp. The stock has well-defined checkering and mild scrapes on the right side of the wrist. Mechanically excellent. A very attractive cased pair of desirable dueling pistols from one of Frances finest gunmakers of the 19th century. Provenance: The Malcolm B. Troup, Captain, US Army, Retired Collection. Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500