A Fine Cased Pair of 19th Century French Percussion Duelling / Target Pistols – Serial No. 18477

Description:
19th Century French Percussion Duelling / Target Pistols – Serial No. 18477
Ref: PBS-AP-DP-1820-001
Price: $29,969
Maker: Signed “FNI. PAR HENRY A PARIS”
Date: Mid-19th Century, circa 1840–1860
Video: Available

An attractive, rare and well-presented decorative cased pair of French percussion duelling or target pistols by Henry of Paris, serial numbered 18477, representative of the refined target and gentleman’s shooting pistols produced in France during the middle decades of the 19th century.

Each pistol with substantial 24cm (9½ inch) octagonal barrel signed “FNI. PAR HENRY A PARIS”, the barrels of approximately 12mm bore and of typical target proportions intended to provide balance, precision and controlled handling. The pistols retain their original percussion ignition system. Fitted with finely carved walnut full stocks displaying elegant period shaping and balance, characteristic of quality French gunmaking of the period. The overall proportions and configuration suggest intended use as either formal target pistols or gentleman’s duelling pistols. There is age-related splitting visible to sections of the wood beneath the barrels, together with expected signs of handling and use consistent with period originality. Presented in an associated 20th-century dark oak fitted decorative case with fleur-de-lis, the hsitorical royal symbol of France, the case is lined in blue velvet and complete with its range of traditional loading and maintenance accessories including a wooden and brass cleaning rod, steel ball mould, turned wooden cap container and patch box, mallet, rammer, powder flask and combined nipple pricker/brush. 

French duelling and target pistols of this period remain increasingly desirable amongst collectors for their elegant architecture, practical mechanical development and their place within the final chapter of the formal duelling tradition before its decline later in the 19th century.

• Stock & Carving: The stocks are carved from high-grade walnut, featuring deeply chiseled, organic leaf-pattern motifs on the grip and stylized fluting down to the butt. The pommel terminates in an ornate, adjustable metal butt-cap with a lanyard/tool ring loop.
• Metalwork & Engraving: The locks, percussion hammers, tangs, and trigger guards are embellished with highly skilled foliate scroll engraving. The hammers are classically sculpted into dolphin/serpent shapes, which was a hallmark of premium mid-1800s European target arms.
• The Barrels: The octagonal barrels exhibit clean geometry with sharp edges. The text "FNI. PAR HENRY A PARIS" is neatly hand-engraved on the top flat rather than stamped, which points to a bespoke presentation rather than assembly-line manufacturing.

The Maker Identity
It belongs to "Henry", a highly active Parisian gun retailer and finishing gunsmith operating during the King Louis-Philippe or Early Second Empire eras (approx. 1840–1860). High serial numbers in the 18,000s are atypical for small, artisan gunmaking shops but common for the massive Saint-Étienne production houses. Henry likely sourced these elite, machined blanks from a major industrial center, then completed the precision finishing, engraving, and stocked assembly in Paris to cater to wealthy civilian clients.

Section 58(2) Antique / Obsolete Calibre – this item falls within the antique exemption provisions and may be possessed in accordance with applicable legislation. Purchasers should satisfy themselves as to current legal requirements before acquisition.

Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Henry (Finishing gunsmith and retailer based in Paris, France).
Model: Percussion Duelling / Target Pistol (Muzzle-loading presentation cased set).
Serial Number: 18477
Barrel Length: 24 cm (approx. 9.5 inches
Bore Info: 12mm internal muzzle diameter (corresponds historically to roughly a .48 caliber round ball).
Condition: Very Good antique condition (Complete, minor wood wear).
Metal Condition: Excellent for its age, showing engraving lines, minimal pitting, and an aged grey patina.
Wood Condition: Good, showing beautifully preserved relief carvings but suffering from visible longitudinal splitting below the barrel channel.
Bore Condition: Presumably structurally sound given the general preservation of the exterior metal.
Barrels: Swamped octagonal design, single-barrel configuration per gun
Barrel Type: Precision-forged octagonal steel or Damascus blank, finished and hand-rifled in Paris.
Action: Single-shot external muzzle-loading percussion lock mechanism.
Triggers: Single-set target trigger system.
Stock: Premium French walnut half-stocks featuring hand-carved, deep-relief organic foliate/leaf motifs.
Stock Dimensions:
Custom tailored historical presentation dimensions (not modern standard measurements).
Stock Drop: Drop calculated relative to the target sightline (designed for standard 19th-century off-hand target stances).
Stock Comb: Straight-tapered upper comb transitioning into a deeply chiseled grip area.
Stock Heel: Fluted heel line terminating directly into an ornate metal butt-cap.
Stock Cast: Neutral cast
Fore End: Formed as a half-stock fore-end extending along the bottom flat of the octagonal barrel, showing historical splitting.
Butt Pad: N/A (Embellished with an engraved metal butt-cap pommel featuring an integrated lanyard/utility ring).
LOP: Traditional short duelling length-of-pull, measured from trigger face to the center of the pommel flare.
Finish: Hand-polished and browned barrel finish; natural hand-oiled finish on the walnut.
Weight: 1.07kg per pistol / 5.3kg Cased with accessories
Sights: Low-profile front blade sight /fixed placement
Manufacture Date: Mid-19th Century 
Engraving: High grade foliate scrollwork covering lock plates, tangs, triggers, hammers, and metal; the top barrel flats are hand-engraved with "FNI. PAR HENRY A PARIS
Extras: A wood and brass cleaning rod, steel ball mould, turned wood cap box, patch box, loading mallet, rammer, copper/brass powder flask, and a nipple pricker/cleaning brush.
Case: Stunning Fleur-de-Lis (royal French emblem); 20th-century contemporary custom oak presentation box lined with fitted blue velvet sections.
Item Location: UK / Legal Antique Status.
Proof:Black: Historical French black powder proof marks
Grips: Ergonomic

Price: $29,969.00
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