Gold Inlaid Flintlock Dueling Pistol By Nicholas Noel Boutet Circa 1803

9 and 1/4 inch octagonal 50 caliber microgroove rifled barrel. The swamped barrel with sighting groove beautifully inlaid with maker’s signature in gold “Boutet” and “Versailles”. The gold decoration extending for 1/2 of the barrel with a flowering vine. Breech with two gold bands and sunken proofs of fleur de lis. Silver fore-sight and rear sight.

Sculpted front action flintlock signed in gold “Boutet” in reserve. “French cock” and rainproof pan lined in platinum. Elaborately sculpted spurred triggerguard with characteristic urn finial. Sculpted steel sideplate. Steel buttcap sculpted ensuite with all other mounts. Silver wedge escutcheons.

Figured walnut half stock with finely checkered wrist. Set trigger. Gold number at muzzle “95”. Condition of barrel with 45% original fading Damascus finish and 98% intact gold inlaid decoration. Gold inlay on lock is fine. Hammer with old period repair and replaced top-jaw.

Sculpted steel furniture is uncleaned with excellent Boutet engraving. Stock is fine with excellent checkering and several very minor marks. Action is crisp and microgroove rifled bore is fine.

Nicholas Noel Boutet is universally regarded as the most important gunmaker of the late 18th and early 19th century. Any firearm by Boutet, who created the most valuable presentation arms for Napoleon Bonaparte and the French Empire, is a treasure. Boutet’s plainest arms are superb quality.

This pistol is a fine example of Boutet’s artistry.