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Lot 407:Cased Pair of Percussion Dueling-Target Pistols Marked Pirmet

September 6th, 2019|Rock Island, IL

Lot 407:Cased Pair of Percussion Dueling-Target Pistols Marked Pirmet

September 6th, 2019|Rock Island, IL

Price Realized:

Estimated Price$5,500 - $8,500

A) Percussion Pistol

These were likely finished and retailed by the Pirmet shop in Paris around 1850. Little is known about Monsieur Pirmet active on the Allee d'Antin in the 1830s-1850s. He received a silver medal at the Exhibition of Products of French Industry in 1839 for fine hunting arms and may have been a son or other relative of Francois Pirmet (active c. 1779-1818), gunmaker to Jerome Bonaparte, King of Westphalia and Napoleon's brother. The barrels each have "CANON D'ACIER FONDU" (Molten Steel Barrel) in gold inlay on top accented by gold inlaid floral motifs, "Fni par Pirmet" marked on the upper left flat, "a Paris" on the upper right flat, "1" or "2" respectively marked on top near the breech, dovetailed blade post/bead type front sight, and 12-groove rifling. The upper tangs have fixed notch rear sights. The triggers are plain but have a light trigger pull. The locks and furniture have fine engraving that includes a different swan scene on each lock and mostly floral patterns on the balance. The stocks have raised and relief carved scrollwork at the forend tips and fluted grips. They come in a wood case with "PIRMET/31. ALLEE D'ANTIN/A PARIS" marked in golden lettering inside the lid and a closely fitted interior that holds the pair as well as a compliment of loading and maintenance accessories.

Rating definitionVery good with 40% period refurbished blue finish remaining and taking on a plum brown tone along the barrel, bright original inlay, mostly bright furniture, some oxidation centered on the bolster, and general minor marks. The stock is very fine and has crisp carving and fluting, attractive natural coloration, and minor handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent.

Details

ManufacturerFrench

ModelPercussion

TypePistol

ClassAntique

Barrel9 3/4 inch octagon

Finishblue/gold/bright

Stockebony

Item LocationRock Island, IL

Catalog page174

B) Percussion Pistol

See A.

Rating definitionVery good with 20% of the faded period refurbished blue finish remaining and turned a plum brown, mostly gray and light brown patina on the balance of the barrel along with some patches of minor pitting, mostly bright lock and furniture, light pitting on the lower tang, some oxidation concentrated on hammer and bolster, and general minor wear. The stock is very fine and has crisp carving and fluting, light scratches and marks, attractive natural tones, and minor handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine and has some cracking in the lid and otherwise minor wear, and the accessories are mostly very good and generally have minor age and storage related wear.