July 13-15, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2021
Massive .72 caliber smoothbore octagonal barrel with hooked patent breech and micro-groove rifling of a coarser thread than normally seen. Appropriate "FNI PAR GASTINNE RENETTE ARQUEBUSIER DE EMPEROR DE PARIS" inscription across top flat, indicating manufacture for Gastinne Renette. Breech decorated with florals and geometrics. Front sight dovetail is empty, rear sight is a 2 leaf with one standing sight and one flip-up sight, both with U notches. Back action percussion lock with "F P GASTINNE RENETTE A PARIS" inlaid in gold around hammer. Spurred trigger guard decorated en suite. Grip with relief carved florals. Buttcap with non-rotatable loop. Remnants of what would have been extensive and elaborate gold wire inlay can be seen on action, tang, barrel, trigger guard, and cap. CONDITION: Metal has formed a smooth chocolate patina throughout, with some silvering to high traffic areas, such as where hammer is lined up with lock. Wood has rubbing to high edges consistent with placement of hand. There is a significant split through the wrist just behind the spur that appears stable. Action works appropriately when cycled by hand, bore is good with visible rifling and even oxidation throughout. EW
Manufacturer
Gastinne Renette