The firm of Gastinne-Renette, one of the finest 19th century French gunmakers, was famous for offering dueling lessons with pistols in their shooting gallery in the center of Paris until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. Dating to the 1890s, these pistols have blued octagonal rifled barrels with fluted central sections, signed “FNI PAR GASTINNE-RENETTE A PARIS” towards the breech and with blued front sights. Scroll engraved casehardened patent breeches, standing breeches incorporating blued notch rear sights, and floating “island” detented locks with stepped tails. Furniture including scroll engraved casehardened trigger plates and pommels, and blued spurred trigger guards. Well-figured walnut half length stock with fine multipoint checkered butt. Belgian black powder proof marks. In original close fitted wooden case lined in dark green baize, the lid lining with gilt maker’s details “GASTINNE-RENETTE / PARIS”. With accessories including bullet mold marked “V. BESSY ST. ETIENNE”, loading and cleaning rods, and loading mallet. The lid of the case with large brass shield shaped escutcheon engraved with a monogram, the hinge edge of the case with brown leather carrying handle.

See “A”. Provenance: The Peter Ringland Collection and The Malcolm King Collection