Established in 1888 the Vouzelaud firm of France made its name as a retailer of fine sporting arms, ammunition, and even bicycles. This incredibly handsome matched pair features single brass bead sights on smooth concave ribs marked "VOUZELAUD - BROU (Eure et Loir) FRANCE" followed by either a gold inlaid "1" or "2". Each barrel has three scalloped wedges of finely executed, tight scroll engraving just forward of the breech. The contrasting French gray casehardened receivers are engraved with wonderfully detailed game bird scenes of quail on the right, pheasants on the left, and a single woodcock on the underside. Each scene features a detailed background and very fine line work on the birds themselves. The game scenes are bordered with wedges of tight scroll, and the fences are semi-relief carved in an oak leaf motif. The blue trigger guards are similarly scroll engraved with a bold gold inlaid rampant lion over a crown in the center. The trigger plates are signed "Petiot -M.O.F." in fine script. Fitted with dual triggers and tang mounted automatic thumb safeties. The forends and break levers are numbered in a similar fashion as the barrels. Mounted on a finely checkered, attractively figured French walnut forend and pistol grip stock with fine tiger stripe figure, sling swivels mounted to the barrel and buttstock, and engraved skeleton buttplate over a checkered bare butt. Each forend is embellished with the letters "OLP" in fine gold inlay. The barrel and stock measurements for gun number "1" are: 2 3/4 inch chambers; improved cylinder/improved modified chokes; bore diameter at 9 inches from breech .629/.629 inch; wall thickness at 9 inches from breech .055/.055 inch; drop at comb 1 3/8 inches; drop at heel 2 1/4 inches; length of pull 14 inches. Includes a shared leather bound Vouzelaud takedown case with straps, wine colored velvet interior, and a two piece hardwood cleaning rod.

Excellent. 99% plus original blue finish remains with just a few very slight handling marks on the barrels. The left side of the receiver displays what appears to be a blemish in the gray finish creating an area of a darker brown shade, though the engraving is still very sharp and highly detailed. The wood is excellent with attractive grain and figure, rich color, crisp checkering, and just a few light pressure dents. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with small scuffs and gouges on the exterior, and light staining and tears on the interior lining.

As described in "A". The barrel and stock measurements are: choked improved cylinder/improved cylinder; bore diameter at 9 inches from breech .629/.629 inch; wall thickness at 9 inches from breech .055/.055 inch; drop at comb 1 1/2 inches; drop at heel 3 inches; length of pull 14 inches.

Excellent. 99% original finish remains with some very minor handling marks scattered throughout. The wood is also excellent with crisp checkering, attractive figure, and some small marks on the buttstock. Mechanically excellent.