These small flintlock pocket or "muff" pistols are the same basic form as the pocket pistols from the famous Napoleon garniture. Boxlock pocket pistols like this were popular products of Nicolas Noel Boutet, both at Versailles and when he returned to private life in Paris after the fall of Napoleon. Similar examples can be seen in Dean Taylor's American Society of Arms Collectors article "The Pocket Pistols (Pistolet l'Ecossaise) of Nicholas Noel Boutet." They are signed "Manufre a Versailles" around the barrels. "1" and "2" are respectively marked on the barrel studs and bottom of the actions at the breech. They have sliding safety buttons on top, folding triggers, and ebony grips with raised relief floral carving on the sides and scale patterns down the backs. Like the pair from the Napoleon Garniture, this pair has coordinating designs but different engraving patterns. The first pistol has a harpy design on the right, a quadrapedal dragon on the left, and the bust of a classical figure and martial trophies on the bottom, likely representing Minerva as the shield appears to be the Aegis. The second pistol has fairy winged sphinx style design on the right, a winged canid beast on the left, and an imperial eagle on a globe on the bottom. The designs are likely based on period illustrations from one or more publications. Patterns from the Napoleon Garniture are known to have been copied from prints by Johann Elias Ridinger. Other patterns throughout are mainly matching, including a pair of birds, probably swans, drinking on the frizzens and various floral patterns and borders.

Very good with mostly bright polished surfaces, faint engraving and markings, some light pitting, and minor overall wear. The refinished grip is very good and has a repaired crack and distinct carving. Mechanically fine.

See "A." Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr

Very good with mostly bright polished surfaces, some light silver-gray patina, faint oxidation/pitting, faint engraving, and mild overall wear. The grip is fine and has crisp carving and mild handling and storage marks. Mechanically fine. This is a stunning pistols from the prestigious Versailles Manufactory led by Directeur Artiste Nicolas-Noel Boutet during the French Revolution and Napoleonic era.