This incredible cased set features matching presentation grade percussion pistols of the highest exhibition grade manufactured by the justly renowned Parisian gunmaker Louis-Francois Devisme. Devisme exhibited his work in London and Paris and was highly regarded for his technical and artistic gunmaking skills. He received an honorable mention at the 1834 Exhibition, received silver medals at the 1839 and 1841 Exhibitions and was awarded other medals at several Expositions Universelles (1844, 1849, 1851, 1855, 1862 and 1867). The barrel, lock plate, hammer, bolster and barrel tang are deeply chiseled with high relief floral patterns covering the entire surface of the steel. This beautifully executed pattern incorporates leaves, blossoms and berries. The silver side plate, spur trigger guard and buttcap are superbly cast and chased in very high relief with mythical gods and grotesque demonic faces with devil's horns. The pattern on the trigger guard is the most unique of the designs featured on the pistol; it is of a trumpet player simultaneously playing two trumpets below a grotesque face with large curved horns extending into the bells of the trumpets. "DEVISME A PARIS" is chiseled on the top barrel flat. The trigger guard tang bears the marking of what the consignor notes as the Collection of King Farouk, last king of Egypt and aficionado of some of the world's very finest firearms including masterworks by Nicholas Noel Boutet and the present cased set. King Farouk had an insatiable appetite for antiques, artwork, firearms, sculptures etc. In 1954, after the King was exiled his vast collections were put through Sotheby's in London and disbursed. The sale is known to this day as the most significant sale of the 20th century. The consignor notes that these pistols were purchased directly from the family of the successful bidder in 1954. The pistol is fitted with fixed sights. The ebony half stock has an engraved single barrel wedge with an engraved ornate escutcheon. The stock itself is fluted and carved with high relief florals en suite with the metal embellishments. The work on the pistol exemplifies the finest Parisian craftsmanship throughout! The highly figured original case has a blank brass initial oval on top of the lid. The inside of the case lid is padded with a dark green velvet type material with "DEVISME A PARIS" embossed in gold. The inside of the lid sides are lined in brown leather, accented with a gold embossed floral embellishment. The case holds both pistols and a full compliment of original accessories. The accessories are the following: single cavity bullet mold with chiseled floral pattern, combination screwdriver and nipple wrench tool with fluted handle, brass oiler, two extra percussion nipples, carved percussion cap container, carved mallet, ramrod, solid silver powder flask, (itself a great rarity and engraved "DEVISME A PARIS/12 RUEDU HELDER") and cleaning rod with brush attachment.

Fine. The metal surfaces retain their original bright exhibition appearance. The lightly cleaned stock is fine with a few barely noticeable handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with minor handling/storage marks and some high spot wear on the lining. These pistols rival in quality and execution the magnificent LePage sporting gun sold by RIA in our May Premiere Sale. In fact, it was our success with the LePage that inspired our consignor to entrust us with the sale of the King Farouk Devismes. By tradition from the collection of King Farouk.

As described in "A."

Fine. The metal surfaces have a highly attractive bright appearance. The lightly cleaned stock is fine with a few barely noticeable handling marks. Mechanically excellent.