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LOT 1233
Fine Pair of French Silver Mounted, Gold Inlaid, and
Relief Carved Double Barrel Flintlock Pistols by Paul
Mountmain Fils -A) Paul Montmain Fils Double Barrel
Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 58 cal., 8 3/8 inch solid rib bbl., silver/
gold/blue/bright finish, walnut stock. This beautiful pair of
pistols from the early 18th century would have been well-
suited for a high ranking European officer or nobleman.
Each of the locks is signed “Paul/Montmain Fils” and has light
engraving accents and gilt cock screws. Paul Montmain was
active in the St. Entienne area c. 1710-1745 and supplied
arms to the Marquis de Castellano in 1743 per Heer’s “Der
Neue Stockel” p. 821. The “Fils” marking indicates they were
produced with or by his son Jean Baptiste Montmain likely
around the 1730s-1740s. The frizzens have grotesque masks.
The barrels have silver ribs with floral engraving and blade
front sights, gold bands at the muzzles, golden designs next
to the front sights, attractive finial designs at the front of the
octagonal breech sections with golden borders and floral
designs, and gold lined vents. The upper tangs are dished
to act as rear sights. The furniture is all silver with primarily
cast floral patterns, a male bust on the pommel caps, and
martial tropy motifs on the sides of the tendril pommels. The
stocks have floral carving between the breeches and wrist
esctucheons and on the forends.
CONDITION: Fine with most of the original gilt finish,
attractive light aged patina on the silver, mottled brown
patina on most of the barrels, light gray and brown patina
on the locks, some light pitting, and scattered minor marks
and scratches. The stock is also fine and has crisp carving, a
series of small dark repairs concentrated on the back of the
wrist, slight cracks and small chips around the lock panels,
and general light scratches. The markings and designs
throughout are primarily crisp. Mechanically excellent.
B) Paul Mountmain Fils Double Barrel Flintlock Pistol
- NSN, 58 cal., 8 inch solid rib bbl., brown/bright/silver/gold
finish, walnut stock. As described in “A”.
CONDITION: Fine with most of the original gilt finish,
attractive light aged patina on the silver, mottled brown
patina on most of the barrels, gray and brown patina on
the locks, some light pitting, and minor marks. The stock
is also fine and has crisp carving, chips around the lock
panels primarily at the front, a series of small dark repairs
concentrated on the back of the wrist, and light scratches.
The markings and designs throughout are primarily crisp.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 14,000 - 25,000
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