These pistols date towards the end of the 18th century, but the Cuillieron/Cuilleron family of gunmakers were active in St. Etienne from the late 17th century through the 18th century. The pistols feature .65 caliber rifled barrels with relief martial trophy designs at the breech ends with gilt backgrounds. There are no provisions for a front sight. The rounded locks are signed "CUILLIERON/A ST ETIENNE" in ornate script and feature frizzen spring rollers, guttered brass priming pans, and some engraving with gilt backgrounds. The furniture likewise is engraved and features some gild backgrounds. Among the designs are lion masks on underside of the barrel bands and bird's head designs on the pommels. The stocks also feature raised relief carving and silver wavy line and floral inlays. These pistols are ilustrated as item 724 on Plate 29 of "Half Century Scrapbook of Vari-Type Firearms Based on the Pictorial and Descriptiog Catalog of the Frank E. Bivens, Jr., Inspirational Collection of Varitype Firearms and Accessories" by F. Theodore Dexter and described on page 68 (incorrect marking listed).

Fine with silver-gray patina, light pitting, fading gilding in the backgrounds, and mild wear. The stock is very fine and has crisp carving, mild scratches and dings, and aged patina on the silver inlays. Mechanically fine.

See "A." Provenance: The Frank E. Bivens, Jr., Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Fine with silver-gray patina, mostly strong gilding in the backgrounds, some faint pitting, and mild wear. The stock is very fine and has crisp carving, mild scratches and dings, and aged patina on the silver inlays. Mechanically fine. Overall, this is a very attractive pair of French officer's pistols from the late 19th century. Pistols like this would have been carried by French officers fighting alongside Napoleon during his dramatic campaigns.