Lot 1131: Boutet of Versailles Gold Inlaid Flintlock Officer's Fusil

Nicolas-Noël Boutet (1761-1833) was gunmaker-in-ordinary to King Louis XVI in 1788, became the artistic director of the newly formed arms factory at Versailles in 1792, then its head director in 1798, and continued to work under direction of Napoleon. The Versailles factory was the main manufacturer of regulation weapons for the French armies. Under Boutets direction, some of the finest "de luxe" firearms ever made flowed from Versailles and were presented to military officers, politicians, and foreign dignitaries. "Boutet/Versailles" marked at the center of the lock, gold inlaid stars at the breech with three gold inlaid proofs. Features a bottom mounted bayonet lug, three barrel bands with the front sight mounted on the rear strap of the front barrel band, full length stock, and sling swivels mounted on the middle band and trigger guard finial. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes reproduction leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Fine, mostly bright surfaces with some scattered light surface pitting, brown patina on the fittings, half of the gold inlay remains, and crisp markings. Stock is also fine with scattered light scratches and handling marks and a small chip at the toe. Mechanically excellent.