October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2018
This exquisite target pistol features a multi-groove rifled blue steel barrel, inscribed on top flat "CARON, Arqer du Roi, Passage de l'Opera 20, a Paris". The casehardened hooked patent breech is finely engraved with boarders and scroll work and features a gold inlaid "1". The barrel tang in engraved and inlaid en suite with sight mounted on top. The French lock plate is finely engraved with floral scroll work and detailed borders, marked in center "CARON A PARIS". The steel furniture is all engraved en suite. The ebony stock feature a fluted grip with alternating panels of relief scroll work. The forend is decorated with relief carved masks and foliate scrolls in the Gothic style. The pistol is complete in its original mahogany case with brass inlaid bands on lid and brass corner protectors and a vacant brass escutcheon on the lid. The French fitted interior displays the pistol in its disassembled state and is lined in burgundy velour. The lid is embossed in gold with the maker's crest and "ARQUEBUSIER DE ROI/CARON/PASSAGE DE L'OPERA 20". The interior features one lidded compartment in the corner with spare parts and lead balls. Accessories include an original ebony mallet, original steel powder measure, original ebony cleaning rod, a replacement oak ramrod, an ornate original bullet mold with engraved screws, an original ebony oil container, a period wooden cap box, and a replacement multi use tool and nipple wrench. CONDITION: Very Good. The barrel retains about 95% original blue finish with some minor imperfections and thinning. Breech retains traces of case colors mostly turned to silver and some minor spotting around nipple, front sight post is absent. Lock functions well and retains an even light gray patina. All steel furniture retains a matching patina. Stock is excellent with only a couple light storage marks. Overall, the pistol shows very little use and is in excellent condition. The case is missing half of one of its brass bands and shows some areas of chipping and scattered marks and scratches. Interior shows some minor fading, wear, and staining. Accessories are very good. This is a high quality single target pistol that displays very nicely and is made by a well-known French maker.
Accessories
Case, Accessories