Frenchman Henri Mangeot (1807-1877) arrived in Brussels around 1835, and by 1840, he was known as a manufacturer of "de luxe" arms and also the owner of a fashionable shooting range. He served as gunmaker to the Belgian court at Brussels and the King of the Netherlands around 1845-1860. His business was taken over by J. Montigny in 1861, and Mangeot returned to France sometime in 1861-1866. The top of the barrel is flat and has fluted edges and a small blade front sight. The front 5 inches is otherwise round. It then tapers to 3 upper flats with flutes, and the breech section has 5 upper flats with only the upper flutes. The barrel is beautifully engraved with floral scrolls and vine work at four individual points. The muzzle displays intricate scrollwork and floral splashes which surround the front sight. Just behind the muzzle and at two additional points are scrolls complimented by floral splashes which also flank the barrel marking "ACIER FONDU" (cast steel). The top of the barrel at the breech has a gold inset crown insignia (appears to be the crown of the Netherlands) and a small gold rectangle "MANGEOT" maker's mark. The bottom of the barrel and breech have some small proof and inspection type marks. The entire breach end of the barrel is complimentary engraved with the tight scroll and floral pattern. The engraving pattern extends to the breech plug, the hammer, lock, trigger guard, lower tang and butt cap. The ebony half stock is masterfully hand carved with relief floral and intersecting vine carvings which cover the entire stock. The stock is skillfully secured by a single wedge that is likewise engraved. The escutcheons and screw head are engraved with a floral design. The notch rear sight which is adjustable for elevation by use of a key. The ebony case is handmade in the same quality of the pistol. The lid has floral engraved brass corners protectors, hand inlaid brass and silver wire borders, and elaborate floral inlays consisting of brass, mother of pearl, silver, gold and tortoise shell. The area around the lock is decorated en suite. The French fitted interior is lined with red fitted velvet and has a leather label gold embossed with "H. MANGEOT/ARQUEBUSIER/DE LA COUR A BRUXELLES/ET DE S. M. LE ROI DES PAYS-BAS/A BRUXELLES" (H. Mangeot, Gunmaker of the Court of Brussels and His Majesty the King of the Netherlands). The case contains a carved ebony and brass cleaning rod, carved ebony handled nipple wrench with a compartment in the handle containing an extra percussion nipple, ebony percussion cap container, silver plated brass oiler, German silver plated ramrod, adjustment key for the rear sight, outstanding single cavity bullet mold with sprue cutter and nearly full coverage scroll engraving, silver powder flask, and a very rare combination powder charger and pick.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel retains 90% plus bright original high polish blue finish with some scattered light surface blemishes. The inside protected area of the hammer shows vivid case colors, and the remaining casehardened surfaces have an attractive dove gray which was popular on European arms and some light patina. The markings and engraving all remain sharp. The stock is excellent with sharp edges. The action is crisp. The case is very fine with some minor stress cracks on the elaborate veneer of the exterior, clear engraving on the brass corners, and all of the inlays complete. The lining shows a few small areas of moderate contact wear and some slightly faded areas. All of the accessories are excellent. A pistol, case, and accessories of this quality are an art form. It is a privilege and honor to offer this masterpiece cased set built by the shop a true master craftsman.