July 30th 2016 Premier Firearms Sale (20)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/30/2016
4-3/4" barrel in 11mm caliber. Offered is one of the finest and most ornate French revolvers to come out of the gun shop of Gastinne Renette Paris. After the proclamation of the Empire in December 1852 the House Gastinne Renette becomes official supplier to Napoleon III and the Imperial Court "Gastinne Renette to Paris, Champs Elysees, arquebusier Gunner of the Emperor, the Prince Imperial, the Queen and the King of Spain. This revolver is based on the Camelot-Delvigne Model 1873 revolver. It has been finely engraved and nickel plated. Barrel is marked "Gastinne Renette Paris". The face of the frame was stamped "No. 1". Left side of barrel is stamped "Acier Fondu". Sides of the hammer and trigger are finely jeweled. The removable hinged grip frame exposes the internals, which are all finely jeweled. The engraving is a combination of fine scroll with decorated borders. Grips are finely checkered two-piece walnut. Gun remains in spectacular all original condition, retaining 98-99% of the original nickel plating. Engraving is crisp and grips are near mint with one small chip on right panel. Bore and action are perfect. The custom work performed at the Paris shop is of the highest order and the attention to detail on the innards remind one of a finely made Swiss watch. This revolver is the most exquisite of its type we have seen and may have been made for one of the Salon exhibitions in Paris in the 1880's. One of a kind exhibition grade double action revolver by the "Tiffany's" of Paris.