France, Third Republic (1870-1940). - Lot 207

France, Third Republic (1870-1940). Set of dueling percussion pistols signed Gastinne Renette, circa 1870-80. Beautiful pair of pistols in their original bronzed and case-hardened finish. Cal. 12 mm approx. Serial no. 114. Octagonal rifled barrels, black bronzed, numbered on the upper side with "1" and "2", and marked "Fni par Gastinne Renette à Paris". They feature dovetail-mounted sights. The breech shafts bearing the sights are case-hardened and chased with scrolls. Flat-bodied, percussion front locks, with case-hardened finish and chased en suite decoration. The round-bodied hammers are case-hardened and chased with a small en suite decoration. Burr-walnut mounts, finely checkered, drawer-action barrel and steel caps with case-hardened finish. Black bronzed finger rest bridges. All screw heads finely chased. Functional, single-action, two-notch cocking mechanisms are clean and free of play. The inside of the barrels are very clean with deep scratches. Complete. 42 cm (barrels 25.5 cm). Presented in their original cassette case, the interior mounted in the French style, compartmentalized and lined with green felt. The inside of the lid is marked in gold letters "GASTINNE RENETTE PARIS". The blond oak case has a brass compass hinge, and the lid bears an unmarked brass escutcheon. It closes with a brass two-point lock, with original key present. The cassette case is complete with accessories, including wooden cleaning rod and tamping rod with brass tips, mallet, screwdriver and chimney cleaner with ebony handles, bullet mold, bullet and primer boxes in turned wood, and a few lead bullets. Box: 48 x 26.5 x 8 cm. (Beautiful, homogeneous set of high quality workmanship, wear and minor accidents from use, tiny traces of oxidation and rust in places on the metal parts of the pistols. Good condition.) Note: Gastinne-Renette, Arquebusier in Paris. With the proclamation of the Empire in December 1852, Gastinne Renette became the official supplier to Napoleon III, the Imperial Court and the King of Spain. Weapons classified in CAT D2 of the decree n° 2018-542 of June 29, 2018, confirmed by the decree of August 29, 2023, free to acquire and hold.