This is a beautiful example of an exhibition Grade French single shot target pistol manufactured by Gastinne Renette. The Paris firm of Gastinne-Renette began in the early 1800s and operated until the late 1980s. The firm provided arms and training opportunities for many of the what seemed to be daily duels in Paris. The company made guns for heads of France throughout its existence and was the place to buy arms, whether it be a sporting rifle for hunting, shotguns for the field, but mostly for dueling pistols. This particular pistol is a single shot which looks a lot like a Stevens single shot pistol. The barrel, hammer and hammer spur are niter blue, and the frame, butt cap and trigger guard are silver with gold filled relief chiseled floral vine designs. The top of the barrel flat is marked "GASTINNE - RENETTE A PARIS". The barrel is fitted with a dovetailed blade front and fixed notch rear sights. Finger spur trigger guard and fitted with checkered walnut grips. The pistol comes with the original leather carrying case with "L.E.P." embossed on the lid. In the case is a wooden cleaning rod with ebony handle and two empty Cartoucherie Francaise, 250 Cartouches 6 mm tins.

Very fine. The barrel retains 75% original bright high polish blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina. 95% of the silver plating and gold fill remains. The hammer and trigger retain much of the original bright blue finish with some minor oxidation on the trigger face. The grips are excellent with minor handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with a separated corner and edge tear on the lid, and some wear and staining on the interior. A very nice exhibition Grade Gastinne-Renette single shot pistol.