Matched Pair Of Single Shot Napoleonic Era Boutet Flintlock Dueling Pistols Circa 1803

12 and 1/2 inch octagonal barrels. .54 caliber. 16 and 3/4 inches overall.

Nicholas Noel Boutet is the most famous and significant gunmaker of the late 18th and early 19th century. His artistry of both form and decoration is unmatched in any period. Any firearm signed Boutet a Versailles represents the finest in quality regardless if it is a military pistol made for Napoleon’s Mameluke Guard or the gold mounted flintlock holster pistols made for Baron Bourayne which just sold for $575,000 or the 5 piece cased flintlock garniture sold in 2006 for $5,500,000.

One pistol of this splendid true pair is numbered “Nbr 21” and its pair “No. 21”. Both barrels are signed on the left flat in Boutet’s beautiful flowing script “Boutet Directeur Artist” and on the right flat “Manufacture a Versailles”. The steel trigger guards with Empire urn finial are engraved with twin serpents intertwined about a scepter. Forward of the triggerguard is an elaborate silver oval adorned with hanging vines with initial “K” in script. The lock on “Nbr 21” is engraved “Manuf/ a Versailles in Boutet’s characteristic flowing script. The lock on “no 21” is signed by the master “Boutet/ Directeur Artiste”.

133 small silver inlays decorate the Empire style butts of each pistol, sweeping down the checkered grip and encircling the swelled butt. The barrels are completely outlined with pure gold borders. Geometric designs are inlaid in gold and cover both breeches and muzzles. The gold inlays cover the entire length of the barrels demonstrating Boutet’s mastery of design and execution.

Hammers, top jaws, and frizzens are inlaid with gold. Pans are lined with gold as are the touch holes. The highly figured walnut full stocks feature fine checkering and elaborate relief carving in inset panels on the spines. Barrels are finished in a deep brown setting off the bright gold inlay. Single set triggers. Locks are patinated and exhibit old, possibly of the period restoration to small parts.

The stocks are fine with the expected minor marks from handling outside the case which no longer accompanies the pistols and pistol No 21 has two tight hairline cracks on either side of triggerguard. Steel mounts are patinated with age. Front sight absent on one pistol, Both pistols retain their original horn tipped ramrods.

Boutet flintlock pistols represent the ultimate in quality and are the most sought after and valuable of all flintlocks. This pair is particularly long and elegant and represents Boutet at his best.