Beschreibung:

A FRENCH FLINTLOCK DE LUXE QUALITY POCKET PISTOL BY BOUTET, DIRECTEUR ARTISTE, MANUF R E À VERSAILLES circa 1795-1800 Finely engraved throughout, with very short turn-off barrel chamfered at the muzzle, inscribed 'ManuF r e' and 'à Versailles', the latter in miniscules, engraved with an urn of fruit and wheat on the underside and all set between differing bands of ornament, decorated with and elaborate band of beadwork around the breech, the steel en suite , box-lock action signed 'Boutet' and 'Directeur Artiste' left and right of the cock, the latter inscription in miniscules, decorated with animal vignettes on three sides of the action, a pair of goats on the left, a sheep on the right, a fox and a duck on the underside, with engraved sliding stud safety-catch also locking the steel, folding trigger, and ebony butt cut with four patterns of chequering within fluted borders (the top jaw and the right-hand side of the action with very light pitting). 5 1/8 i n (13cm)