Some of the finest firearms in history were manufactured in workshop in and around Paris. French gunsmiths first designed and utilized the "true" of "French" flintlock mechanism around 1610. By the mid-17th century the design was gaining traction elsewhere in Europe, and by the early 18th century the flintlock was the dominant firearm ignition form. It remained the dominant for of ignition for firearms into the 1830s and 1840s and aspects of the lock mechanisms continued to influence mechanical aspects of firearms for more than two centuries. In the same period, French artistic patterns shaped designs on luxury firearms throughout Europe via both "de luxe" firearms crafted by French gunsmiths and the publication of pattern books. This pistol highlights several aspects of the gun making art: engraving, gilding, and raised relief carving. Double barrel pistols like this, often purchased as a pair, were among the array of pistols used by military officers who generally supplied their own weapons and thus had considerably more latitude to choose more advanced arms than were afforded to a regular enlisted man. Fancier weaponry was a clear indication of rank and wealth, and double barreled pistols and other multi-shot firearms had clear advantages over the single shot weapons most men used. Thus, some gentlemen also selected double barrel pistols for defending their homes and coaches. The barrels have banded designs at the muzzles, a round silver blade front sight, "FELIX A PARIS" along the rib, and various floral and martial designs accents by gold. The upper tang is dished to serve as a rear sight. The locks are similarly each signed "FELIX APARIS" ("A" and "P" conjoined) and have martial and scroll engraving with gold accents. Hugues Felix is listed as active around 1739-1780 during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI and several international conflicts of significance including the Seven Years War (French & Indian War in North America) and beginning of the American Revolution. Very few of his guns or details of his career are known. The tails of the locks have coronets over ovals with golden eagles suggesting association with a peer, possibly a duke. The frizzens are not bridled. The furniture is iron with coordinating gold accented martial and floral engraving including the tendril style cap which has a grotesque mask plug. Note the use of fasces among the martial designs (most prominent on the trigger guard and butt cap). This classic Roman symbol is often associated with revolutionary France, but it was used in the country even as early as the 17th century. The grotesque mask has pointed ears and a chinstrap beard, possibly representing a satyr. The stock has raised carving between the ramrod entry pipe and the trigger guard and at the breech. There are also raised and incised molding lines along the forend, and the flats have tear drop tails and raised borders.

Fine with 90% of the gold finish, 70% of the fire blue finish (note the blue on the top jaws), fairly bright locks, some light spotting and patination, mild pitting concentrated at the vents, a faint crack forming near the screw on the left cock, small chips at the muzzle, and very fine and crisp markings and engraving patterns. The restored stock is fine and has some faint hairline cracks and repairs, minor marks and dings, glossy finish, and distinct and attractive carving and mold lines. Mechanically fine. Overall, a very attractive and elaborate Parisian double barrel flintlock pistol.