This shotgun was crafted at the state arms factory at Versailles under Directeur Artiste Nicolas-Noel Boutet (1761-1833), gunmaker to both King Louis XVI and Napoleon and one of the greatest "de luxe" arms makers in history. Every detail on the fine arms manufactured under his aegis are precise. This smoothbore hunting gun was manufactured in the early 1800s and has gold bands at each muzzle and a gilt blade front sight with gold-inlaid accents, decorative gold girdles at the transition point, gold oval touch-holes, and gold-inlaid diamond and floral patterns at the breech along with "BC" (upper left), "BOUTET" (top of both), and "LC" (upper right) marks. The upper flats on the octagonal to polygonal breech sections are respectively signed "Boutet Directeur Artiste" and "Manufacture a Versailles". The underside of each breech signed "ARMAND" along with a second indistinct signature. The standing breech incorporates a grooved rear sight and is polished bright and engraved with floral motifs. The right lock is signed "BOUTET/DIRECTEUR" at the center, and the left lock is signed "MANUFAC./A VERSAILLES", and each lock features simple borders, floral engraving, large frizzen spring rollers, and graceful swan-neck cocks. The mounts are gilt bronze with applied texture aside from some polished accents such as the small divots on the points of the shell-shaped ramrod entry pipe finial and the larger oval on the trigger-guard bow. The stock features very fine checkering on the forearm and wrist with crisp molding, a very beautifully carved scroll and floral pattern grip extension, and a fluted comb. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Exceptionally fine. The barrels appear to be a very old refurbish exhibiting 90% plus bright high polished blue with some loss at the muzzles. The standing breech and both lock plates remain bright and display crisp engraving and markings with evidence of light pitting. The exceptional mounts retain bright gilding, mixed texture on the forward portion of the trigger-guard finial, and darker patina on the butt. The upper ramrod pipe is detached but present. The stock is very fine and retains crisp checkering with minor handling wear, crisp carving and smooth finish. Mechanically excellent. Overall, a very attractive piece from Nicolas-Noel Boutet at Versailles during the Napoleonic era.