GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
ATTRACTIVE HIGH GRADE CASED SINGLE-SHOT PERCUSSION TARGET PISTOL BY GASTINNE RENETTE, GUN MAKER TO THE KING OF SPAIN AND EMPEROR NAPOLEON III. GASTINE RENETTE TARGET PISTOL NSN 42 BORE/48 CAL Cal. 48/42 bore. 16-1/2" overall, 11-1/8" oct bbl with dovetailed inset silver bead front sight, chisel engraved address "GASTINNE RENETTE A PARIS". Breech is relief engraved as is lock, hammer, trigger guard and buttcap. Lock is also marked with same address as bbl. No doubt exhibition grade and cased most unusually with detached bbl in separate French fitted partition. The elaborately relief carved fluted stock terminates in a highly faceted buttcap with finely detailed finial. This is a beautiful cased pistol by one of the great 19th century gun makers, quite renowned, even mentioned in novel by Balzac. Royal purple velvet lined French fitted casing is complete retaining ball mold with sprue cutter marked "JC 42". Casing with brass plaque in lid with crown over ornate pair of initials. Also includes two powder measures, loose balls, brass tipped cleaning rod and tiny 2-1/2" powder flask. Cased sgl pistols are more rare than cased pairs and this is a beautiful example. CONDITION: Fine overall. Bbl retains no finish though sharp and grey; markings all crisp and discernible. Bbl marked on bottom with crown over "AR" proof and "1844" (date?) and "385" (SN?). Metal surfaces otherwise are fairly bright with crisp etching. There is a hairline crack in the hammer spur. Stock is sound and solid with small chip to left side and several small dings, dents and scratches not affecting overall aesthetics. Implements are matching condition. Mold retains most of its thinning blue finish. Flask retains much of it bright varnish and fire blue to spring. Mechanically sound with crisp multi-groove bore. Mahogany case is sound, retaining much of an old varnish with scattered scuffs and scrapes. Inset plaque has light mustard patina. Key is functional. Lining has light fading, staining and soiling. 51933-2 JS (6,000-7,000) CASED W/ACCESS