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LOT 3287
Exceptional Pair of Engraved Gastinne-Renette Retailed Percussion Dueling/Target Pistols with Two-Tiered Case and Accessories
-A) Dueling/Target Pistol - NSN, 11 mm cal., 10 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The firm of Gastinne-Renette originated around 1812 and was cemented by the marriage of Louis-Julien Gastinne and Joséphine Adèle Renette, son and daughter of the founders. By the second half of the 19th century, they were the premiere source for dueling pistols in Paris. They even rented sets like this and trained duelists how to use them effectively. They manufactured high end firearms for Napoleon III, the King of Spain, Annie Oakley, and many other notable figures. While dueling had mostly faded into obscurity in England and the U.S. by the time these were made, pistol and sword duels in France and other areas of Continental Europe continued into the early 20th century. These pistols were proofed in Liege and retailed by Gastinne-Renette of Paris around the mid to late 1800s. They have “1” and “2” respectively in gold on the breech plugs and standing breeches, “FNI PAR GASTINNE-RENETTE A PARIS.” marked on the top of the barrels, Liege proofs, “24.” assembly marks, dovetailed blade front sights, fixed notch rear sights on the standing breeches, scroll engraving, spurred trigger guards with nice scroll accents, and checkered half-stocks with checkered wrists and “JNI” inside the forend. They come in a two-tier oak case with “GASTINNE- RENETTE/PARIS” in gold lettering inside the lid, closely fitted interior with bright green baize lining and an assortment of loading and cleaning tools as well as a copy of “Imitation
de Jesus-Christ” from 1823.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 95% plus original blue and 85% casehardened finish and
minor handling and storage wear. The stock is excellent and has crisp checkering and only minimal handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are generally very fine with minor age and storage related wear. Unsurprisingly, the book shows more age and wear.
B) Dueling/Target Pistol - NSN, 11 mm cal., 10 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 95% plus original blue and 85% casehardened finish and minor handling and storage wear. The stock is excellent and has crisp checkering, a few dings, and slight handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 3288
Cased Pair of Belgian A. Francotte Single Shot Centerfire Pistols
-A) A. Francotte Pistol - Serial no. 1577, 320 cal., 9 5/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Both pistols have a dovetail mounted blade front sight and adjustable rear sight, A. Francotte markings on top of the barrel, engraving on top of the small frame flat, and respectively marked “1” and “2” on top of the breech. “Star/S” and “E/LG” proofs on the left of the breech of this example. Includes felt lined wooden case with circular brass plaque inscribed with initials “RC” on the lid, oiler and cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 85% original blue finish on the barrel with some light wear at the muzzle, 60% plus original nitre blue finish on the trigger guard, lever and rear sight with some light pitting, and 70% original case colors on the frame with smooth gray patina on the balance and scattered light pitting on the tangs. Grip is also fine with defined checkering, crazing of the outer protective surface, and some light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Included case is good with a large crack in the lid, scattered scratches, and moderate aging of the lining.
B) A. Francotte Pistol - Serial no. 3048, 320 cal., 9 5/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. Reference “A” description. “320” marked on the left of the
breech of this example.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 90% original blue finish on the barrel with some light wear at the muzzle, 80% plus original nitre blue finish on the trigger guard, lever and rear sight with some light pitting, and 70% original case colors on the frame with smooth gray patina on the balance and scattered light pitting on the tangs. Grip is also fine with some light wear areas in the checkering, crazing of the outer protective surface, a few scratches on the right, and some light handling marks. Mechanically needs work, trigger does not properly reset, only functions with manual assistance.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750