This is an example of a French flintlock pistol manufactured by Nicolas Noël Boutet of Versailles and Paris (1761-1833). According to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Nicholas Noël Boutet "was named directeur-artiste of the newly formed Versailles Arms Manufactory in 1792. While the Versailles factory was the principal producer of regulation weapons for the French armies, Boutet was also charged with creating richly decorated arms for presentation to military heroes and foreign heads of state." His name will forever be linked to Versailles Arms Manufactory for he created some of the best standard, luxury and honor arms offered to the dignitaries, the notables and leaders of other countries of his day. The lock plate is signed in large script "Boutet/et Fils/'a Versailles." The barrel has the number "444" stamped on the left flat. Several proofs and an engraved band once highlighted in gold appear at the rear of the barrel. The upper left barrel flat is signed "Boutet et Fils" and the upper right barrel flat is signed "A Versailles." The large bore barrel is rifled, and gauges at 72 caliber. There is a blade front sight and no provisions for a rear sight. The full length stock has checkering on the grip area, a flared butt with metal cap and two barrel wedges. The iron ramrod pipe has a brass tip.

Very good plus. The barrel has a crisp smooth brown-gray patina and the remaining metal surfaces have a smooth dark gray patina. The stock is fine with a hairline stress crack on the forearm (right side), a number of minor handling marks and some worn checkering. Mechanically fine.