Offered here is a rare pair of cased, dueling pistols converted from flintlock, marked ‘Fin Par Gosset a Paris’, roughly translated ‘end by Gosset of Paris’ or ‘Finished by Gosset of Paris’. These pistols were either made by the revered French gunsmith, Louis-Marlin Gosset sometime before 1820 or at least converted to percussion, in Paris either by Gosset himself or under his close supervision in Paris.
From 1793 to around 1813, Gosset worked at Versailles as an assistant to the most famous and renowned French gunsmith, Nicholas-Noël Boutet. It was during this time that Gosset made the most exquisite pistols that are now regarded as a National Treasure of France. The pistols with which Napoleon attempted suicide after his abdication in 1814.
Around 1817 Gosset is found in the Parisian suburb or then commune of Saint-Cloud before finally setting up in Paris proper from 1822.
The .50 calibre, octagonal, Damascus, sighted and swamped barrels measure 9 ½ inches from the rear sight to the muzzle. Over-all each pistol measures 15 inches. The barrels also feature poly-groove rifling and silver inlaid markings ‘FIN PAR / GOSSET / PARIS’.
The locks are engraved with a solitary Heron at the water’s edge and the words ‘Fin Par Gosset a Paris’. Both locks are in excellent working order.
The spur trigger guards feature a Heron with a raised head and terminals with different flowers and foliage.
The side-plates feature detailed engravings of opposed, angry Swans.
The walnut stocks with carved fore-end are in a good used condition. Note that one of the pistols has a fine crack running from the fore-end through the barrel pin. See photos. The stocks also feature fine chequering on the grips and carved oval pommels with engraved iron butt caps.
The pistols are housed with complete accessories in what appears to be their original oak case. The case seems to have been re-lined to accept the modified pistols. The conversion breech block extended the pistol’s length by half an inch and they now intrude into the case’s sides. See photos.
The accessories include cleaning rod with detachable head, oil bottle, two separate rammers with worm, turn screw, single cavity bullet mould with articulated sprue cutter, brass mounted translucent horn powder flask marked ‘GOSSET BREVETE’ and a wooden hammer.
A rare opportunity to own a pair of pistols from a renowned maker at a fraction of the cost of Napoleon’s pistols.
Sold as collector items only.
Shipping costs and method of shipping will be discussed at time of purchase, layby available.