This fine Parisian turnover sporting gun was made circa 1685 and restocked and partially remounted during the 18th century. It features two-stage octagonal to round smoothbore barrels each with brass blade front sight, elaborate engraving and chisel work with floral scroll patterns inhabited by a mask and a figure, "THURAINE A PARIS" signed on the sighting flat, and blued finish. Rounded back-action lock engraved and chiseled in low relief with scrollwork and a figure holding a ribbon signed "THURAINE A PARIS", with scroll engraved individual priming-pan and frizzen assemblies for each barrel. Barrel release catch chiseled in the round with a bestial head. Later engraved trigger-guard and heel-plate, the latter with the serpent finial reminiscent of Claude Simonin (see Stephen V. Granscay, "Master French Gunsmiths' Designs", p. 76) and later figured walnut stock. The wrist escutcheon is silver with a coronet and masks. With a wooden ramrod with bone tip. This gun was purchased from W. Keith Neal in February 1962 by Norman R. Blank. Provenance: J.F. Hayward; The Norman R. Blank Collection