This high end fowling piece was made c. 1800 in Paris by the noted gun and bladesmith Fatou who produced a more highly embellished similar piece that was presented to Napoleon Bonaparte by Count Jean Baptiste Jourdan in the same period. Many of Fatou's arms were embellished with precious metals and all are known to have been made with exacting quality. The barrels have gold filled floral and martial motifs on the breech end, "FATOU · RUE · DU · BACQ · PARIS" in the concave rib, and additional gold accents around the blade front sight and touch holes. The barrel tang is also engraved and is partially dished out to serve as the rear sight. There is light engraving designs throughout the other components, "Fatou" on the right lock plate, and "RUE DU BACQ/A PARIS" on the left lock plate. The top jaws are both marked "No. 1". The wide trigger guard, which has a decorative and engraved finial, is marked with "J·V" inside of a wreathe. It is fitted on a walnut half stock with checkering on the wrist and forend, an engraved eagle head on the lower wrist, and a slightly raised cheek rest on the left side of the butt. A nearly black finished ramrod with brass tip is included. The front ramrod pipe has a stud for an absent sling swivel.

Very good. The barrels have a protective layer of polish over a mix of brown finish and patina. 95% of the gold fill remains. The lock plates and other iron furniture are mostly bright with some gray patina and golden residue. There are some spots of minor pitting and a few minor scratches and nicks throughout. The re-oiled wood is very good with a crack and repair on the comb, sharp checkering, and a few scattered dings and faint scratches. The left lock is functional, but the right lock requires some attention. Overall, a solid, attractive example of exquisite Parisian craftsmanship from the 19th century.