By the mid-19th century when these pistols were produced, Gastinne-Renette was the premier dueling pistol dealers in Paris and even had a shooting gallery where duelists could practice using dueling targets. Included information attributes the pair as brought by Alfred Vieyra-Molina to a duel in Paris 1852 with Captain Gabriel Laury of the 1st Legion of the National Guards. This duel is recorded in various publications both in the period and in subsequent dueling histories. Vieyra's uncle was an ally of Napoleon III in his coup and was the Chief of Staff of the National Guards and had led them in their assault on newspapers opposed to Napoleon III. Vieyra and Laury are reported to have quarreled a billiard saloon in relation to a dangerous mission Laury accused Vieyra's uncle of refusing and instead passing the task to Laury. They agreed to fight a duel with pistols at twelve paces and then if neither man was hit in the first exchange of shots to continue the fight with cavalry sabers. The duel was interrupted by an official, so in haste the duelists fought instead with sabers, and after twenty minutes, Vieyra was wounded by a thrust to the breast. Laury was subsequently arrested for having insulted his superior officer, Colonel Vieyra. This pair of pistols' browned barrels are each signed "Fourni par Gastinne Renette a Paris" (Provided by Gastinne Renette of Paris). The underside of each barrel features an "EL" Liege proof along with "1" and "2" respectively (also marked on various other components and "10.4" on the underside of pistol "2." The barrels are octagonal with fluted mid-sections, but they are oriented so that ridges rather that flats run along the top. They are each equipped with a blued dovetailed blade front sight and casehardened breech plug with an attractively sculpted bolster. The standing breeches each feature a non-adjustable notch rear sight. The locks and furniture are also casehardened and feature engraving en suite. The ebony half-stocks feature relief carved scrollwork on the forends and finely checkered wrists. The pair comes in an ebony case with green baize lining, "GASTINNE-RENETTE/PARIS" in gilt letters and a suite of coordinating loading and maintenance equipment.

Very fine overall with 85% plus of the lightly fading period refurbished brown finish remaining, 70% case colors with some fading mainly on the lock plate, crisp markings and engraving, slight handling and storage wear on the otherwise crisp checkering and carving, and some light dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with age and storage related wear, including some stains and tears from contact on the lining and cracks and chips on the exterior. The accessories are generally very fine with only minor storage wear. One of the containers is cracked.

Very fine overall with 80% plus of the lightly fading period refurbished brown finish remaining, 85% bright case colors remaining on the lock and furniture, crisp markings and engraving, some light handling and storage wear, and crisp checkering and carving. Mechanically excellent.