Magnificent Gosset under hammer pistols,c. 1825
Pair Pistols, cased
Type: Percussion under hammer target
Maker: Gosset
Model: N/A
Year: c. 1820-5
Age: c. 1825
Caliber: .40
Serial: NSN
Description: Louis-Marin Gosset a renowned gunsmith who studied with Nicholas-Noël Boutet, who was the armorer to the Crown. Gosset received a patent in July, 1820 for the under hammer mechanism which allowed for an unobstructed sight line. The sites of this pair are gold as are the lightly swamped barrel decorations which include on pistol #1 the word "Invention, Gosset" and on pistol #2 the name of "Gosset, Brevete"(meaning patented). Extremely fine inlays of gold include classical leaf spires, string band inlay, numerals 1 & 2 and Gosset, A. Paris in an oval. Other decorative engraving includes acanthus leaf, florals, fox head, horse head and the butt cap features a portrait of the head of Medusa. Each piece has original case hardened blue finish nearly entirely complete. Walnut stocks are unusually checkered and terminate in carved butts. All tools are original: The nipple driver has a fluted walnut handle with threaded cap. Rod is turned of mahogany as is the barrel and mallet. The box of mahogany with large inlaid top escutcheon, key escutcheon and classically styled inset finger lift.
A very similar pair sold by Christies 16 Dec. 2002 listed as property of the estate of the late Lord Wraxall, removed from Tyntesfield, Somerset attest to the level of quality of the pieces and type of ownership.
Size: Pistol 15.75"
Weight: Boxed 11.6 pounds
Condition/Bore: Excellent condition throughout, missing the powder horn. Box has age checking and cracking, retains the original interior velvet lining and green cloth bottom. Turned ebony pulls on small compartments are missing bits.