GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
EXCEPTIONAL CASED PAIR OF 50 BORE FRENCH PERCUSSION TARGET PISTOLS BY DEVISME, 1845. DEVISME PARTS PERCUSSION PISTOLS 648 50 BORE Cal. 50 bore. 16" overall, 9" blued oct bbls with fixed sights dated on underside of breech "1845", signed in gold Gothic letters "DEVISME a PARIS" and each gun signed in gold "1" and "2". Locks are foliate scroll relief engraved, signed "DEVISME A PARIS". Hammer, trigger guard, buttcap and other steel mounts are engraved en suite. Ebony stocks are relief carved at forends and 3-panels of fluted grips. Buttcap has central diamond-shape cap with a crest of crown over foliated "R". The same crest is found on lid of mahogany casing. Casing is purple velvet lined with gilt imprint address of DeVisme and case is fitted for 5 gun tools, 2 ebony cap containers, and ball mold. Lidded compartment contains 1 ball and functional key PROVENANCE: Carl Styne Collection, 1964. CONDITION: Extremely fine overall. Guns are matching with complete compliment of accessories. Guns retain virtually all of their orig bright blue and gold on bbls with tiny cosmetic blemishes and light sharp edge wear. Other steel components of guns retain their orig bright finish and luster with minor staining. Polished steel powder measure and levered ball mold also retain virtually of their orig polish with light staining. Other ebony and steel tools and components are equally fine. Casing has some cracks to the thin ebony veneer on lid with scuffs and scratches as can be expected after 170 years. There is a 1" piece of ebony veneer missing right rear and bottom corner casing. Silver inlaid 2-3/4" x 2" pierced and engraved crest is well fit with a silver/grey patina. Case still retains thin varnish. Mechanics are crisp with bright, shiny multi-groove rifled bores. 52630-2 JS (15,000-20,000) W/CASE, 8 ACCESS