This museum quality lot consists of two matching presentation grade percussion pistols manufactured by the famed post-empire Parisian gunmaker Louis-Francois Devisme. Devisme exhibited his work in London and Paris and was highly regarded for his technical and artistic gunmaking skills. He received an honorable mention at the 1834 Exhibition, received silver medals at the 1839 and 1841 Exhibitions and was awarded other medals at several Expositions Universelles (1844, 1849, 1851, 1855, 1862 and 1867). These pistols are a superb example of his work. The barrel is engraved with floral embellishments and bands at the breech and muzzle with "Devisme a Paris" flanked by floral work engraved on the top flat. Both the breech plug and barrel tang have a gold inlaid number "1". The remaining metal surfaces which include the lock plate, spur trigger guard, hammer and buttcap feature fine engraved floral scrollwork with the addition of an engraved fine scalloped border on the lock plate. The pistol is fitted with fixed sights. The barrel and percussion nipple are blue and the remaining metal surfaces are coin. The ebony half stock is equally if not more impressive then the engraved embellishments. The stock features near full coverage of a high relief floral scroll carving with the grip area being deeply fluted. Truly impressive craftsmanship! The number "7716" is marked near the buttcap. The stock has a single barrel wedge with engraved oval escutcheons. The case is lined in red velvet and "36 BOULEVART DES ITALIENS/DEVISME/ARQUEBUSIER BREVETE/A PARIS" is embossed in gold on the inside of the lid. The case has an ebony veneer with highly decorative brass inlays on the lid. French fitted for both pistols and accessories, the case holds the following: two iron ramrods, two ebony containers, ebony mallet, ebony handle nipple wrench, case key, and ladle.

Excellent. The barrel retains 90% plus of the original blue finish with a few minor handling marks. The remaining metal surface have a highly attractive coin appearance. The stock is excellent with a few mild handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is fitted for both pistols and accessories. The exterior of the case is fine showing some cracking on the veneer and the interior lining is very fine.

As described in "A", but with the number "2" on the barrel tang and breech plug.

Excellent. The barrel retains 99% plus of the original blue finish with a few minor handling marks. The remaining metal surfaces have a highly attractive coin appearance. The stock is also excellent with a few mild handling marks. Mechanically excellent.