This dual ignition shotgun was manufactured in 1854 by gunmaker Thomas of Paris following the famous Great Exhibition in London in 1851 and just prior to the Exposition Universelle in Paris on 1855. It may have been created for the second event. Thomas was also the gunmaker to the King of Sweden and Norway. The gun is currently configured for use with pinfire ammunition but is also designed to be convertible for use with percussion caps, and the conversion cartridges are stored in the stock compartment. It features Damascus barrels by Albert Bernard of Paris (as marked on the bottom flats) with the year "1854" and number "7827" on the underside of the rib. The muzzles, breeches, and rib have gold scroll inlays, and the rib also features "THOMAS A PARIS" in gold. Gold scrollwork inhabited by dogs and birds continues on the remaining metal surfaces along with a leaping roebuck on the trigger guard bow and a snake design on the tip of the lever. The stock features extensive gold wire inlays with engraved gold inlaid foliate accents. Sling eyes are on the butt and middle ramrod pipe. The guns comes in a fitted hardwood takedown case with "THOMAS BREVETE/ARQ.R DE S,M, LE ROI DE SUEDE ET DE NORVEGE/PASSAGE DELORME/A PARIS" in gilt letting inside the lid, and a variety of loading and maintenance tools.

Fine with bright original gold throughout, strong original blue finish on the lever and buttplate, light original brown mixed with gray and brown patina along the barrels, traces of original case colors in the protected areas, and generally mild age and storage related wear. The restored stock is also fine and has some expertly replaced pieces of inlay and faint scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with an absent lid escutcheon, generally mild age and storage related wear. A few accessories are absent, but most of the accessories are very fine with minor storage wear. Overall, a very attractive and distinctive French dual ignition shotgun from a noteworthy, high quality Parisian gunmaker.