Guns International #: 103452973
Seller's Inventory #: AH9023

Category - Antique Pistols - Flintlock - Pairs of Pistols - Antique

Category
Antique Pistols - Flintlock
Pairs of Pistols - Antique

"Exceptionally Fine Pair of French Flintlock Garniture Pistols by Henry of Vesoul, Louis XV Period (circa 1775–1790) (AH9023)

Description:
"Maker: Henry, Vesoul (Franche-Comté, France) Date: Circa 1755-1775 (Louis XV period) Type: Pair of deluxe flintlock pistols from a garniture set  Description This is an outstanding matched pair of French flintlock pistols of the highest artistic and technical quality, signed on the locks “Henry à Vesoul." The pistols represent elite late-18th-century French court workmanship and were originally part of a multi-piece garniture, traditionally said to have included a matching long gun.  Both pistols feature beautifully carved walnut stocks with deep rococo scrollwork and floral relief carving throughout the fore-stocks, grips, and tang areas. The mounts are finely chiseled steel, extensively decorated with gold damascened scrolls and classical motifs. The trigger guards, butt caps, sideplates, and barrel tangs are all richly sculpted and gilt in the finest French taste of the Louis XV era.  The oval butt caps are fitted with exquisite gold-ground portrait medallions depicting a classical-profile male figure in 18th-century style, a decorative motif commonly encountered on high-nobility and royal presentation arms of the period.  The locks are finely engraved with classical figures and scrolls and retain their original flintlock mechanisms, showing correct late-18th-century French form. Barrels are octagonal at the breech transitioning to round, with gold inlaid panels and engraved borders, and fitted with matching engraved steel sights.  The overall quality, decoration, and matched construction indicate production for a very high-ranking client, possibly royal or princely. The maker, Henry of Vesoul, is recorded among the accomplished provincial master gunmakers of eastern France whose work frequently rivaled that of Paris and was often supplied to elite clientele.  Traditionally, the pistols are said to be associated with a garniture whose long gun is reportedly held in the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature in Paris; this attribution is unconfirmed but as the museum has not responded   ?  Dimensions (approximate) • Overall length: 15.25 inches (38.7 cm) • Barrel length: 9.25 inches (23.5 cm) • Caliber: approx. .50 / 12–13 mm (smoothbore)   Condition Very fine antique condition overall. Stocks are solid with only minor age lines and handling marks consistent with period use. Metal surfaces show attractive light patina with strong remaining engraving and gold inlay. Locks function correctly. Gilding remains vivid throughout. An exceptional surviving matched pair.  Historical Note Vesoul, in the Franche-Comté region, was a recognized center of high-grade arms production during the 18th century, supplying luxury sporting and presentation firearms to noble and court clients throughout France. Garniture sets of this quality were typically commissioned by aristocracy and royalty and often included matching pistols, a fowling piece, and accessories housed in a fitted case. 

Antique: Yes

Price: $57,500.00