Despite laws against dueling as early as 1626 in France, dueling with both swords and pistols remained a tradition among military officers and gentlemen for nearly three additional centuries. As late as at least 1900, lethal pistol duels are documented in Paris. Rifled bores were the norm in France and most of continental Europe in the 19th century, especially as rifling was more widely adopted on firearms in general. The Gastinne-Renette families were joined by the marriage of Louis-Julien Gastinne and Joséphine Adèle Renette, son and daughter of the founders of the firm. The shop was a nexus of Parisian dueling culture and rented and sold cased sets like this and even trained duelists. Sometimes both duelists visited their shop on the eve of their potentially deadly exchange to brush up their marksmanship skills. The barrels have fine post front sights, "FNI. P. GASTINNE RENETTE A PARIS" on top, and "3" on the bottoms. Fixed u-notch rear sights are at the breech on the upper tang. The metal components other than the barrels and silver wedge plates have matching floral scroll engraving and are finished in French gray. The stock have fine figure, elegant intertwining floral scroll carving in relief, and fluted grips. The pair comes in a veneered, highly figured walnut case with French fitted interior, "GASTINNE-RENETTE/A PARIS" in gilt letters inside the lid, a cleaning rod, ramrod, mallet, spot for an absent ball mold, nipple wrench (appears to be a replacement for a longer combination tool), measure, containers for caps and patches, small powder flask, and two lidded compartments containing a Remington cap tin and numerous lead balls.

Very fine overall with 90% of the smooth dark brown finish on the barrel, even French gray on most of the balance, some light patina forming (mostly on the trigger guard), and minor handling and storage marks. The stock has crisp carving and fluting, fine figure, and light scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. The case is good with moderate storage wear, some burn marks on the inside of the lid, chipping at the corners and lower edges, and some fading and tears on the lining. The accessories are fine other than the mallet which has been used extensively and has a repaired break.

As described in A.

Very fine overall with 90% of the smooth brown finish, mostly even French gray on the remaining parts, some light patina forming primarily on the trigger guard, and minor marks and scratches. The stock has crisp carving and fluting, attractive figure, and some light dings. Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive cased set in the classic Gastinne-Renette form in the tradition of French fine arms making.