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THBCased Presentation Pair of LePage Single-Shot Percussion Pistols
About Seller
6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States
With offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Denver, Cowan’s holds over 40 auctions each year, with annual sales exceeding $16M. We reach buyers around the globe, and take pride in our reputation for integrity, customer service and great results. A full-service house, Cowan’s Auctions specializes in Am...Read more
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About Auction
LiveNov 3, 2015 - Nov 6, 2015
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
View Full Catalog (348)
- Lot Description
Cased Presentation Pair of LePage Single-Shot Percussion Pistols
French. A matching brace of pistols with accessories and case presented by Prince Ferdinand Philippe d'Orleans as a prize for marksmanship in March 1837 to a son of the Napoleonic General Pierre Andre Hercule Berlier upon his graduation from the St. Cyr military academy.
.50 caliber, 9" octagonal Damascus pattern barrels with micro rifling, patent breech, fixed sights, engraved on the breech and tang. Back action locks with floral engraving on the plates, hammers and screw heads, maker marked "FNI PAR LEPAGE / A PARIS." Single set triggers; actions in good working order. Burl grained fruitwood stock with a raised carved clamshell forearm cap, checkered empire butt with ebony cap and engraved conical iron pommel; floral engraved iron triggerguards have finger rests.
The pistols are held in a 17.25" x 10.25" x 3" rosewood case, hinged top with an inlaid fruitwood border and brass presentation plate engraved "Prix donne / par le Prince Royal / Mars 1837," a significant age crack crosses the full length. Interior lined in purple velvet, now aging to brown, and fitted for the pistols and accessories. These include two wooden rammers with ball-shaped horn tips, a square head rosewood mallet, brass and copper powder flask with fluted body and push-button valve, adjustable brass and rosewood powder measure, steel bullet mold retaining most of the case colors, a steel combination screwdriver and nipple wrench with a fruitwood handle, hollowed to hold extra nipples with an iron trapdoor and eight lead balls. A shield-shaped brass keyhole cover has come loose from the case but is present and can be easily restored.
A mid-20th century handwritten note in French, with typed English translation, giving a brief history of the pistols, a list of the items in the case, loading instructions and the evaluation of a gunsmith in 1945 accompanies the pistols. An auction notice from an Ohio newspaper listing a past estate sale of this set is also included. A very complete, well-crafted and well preserved group.
Provenance: The Ben Michel Collection of French Arms & MilitariaGood to very good. Pistol exteriors are very good with light age toning. Wood with sharp edges. Bores dirty, but should clean to very good. All accessories are very well preserved. The case has one major crack on the lid and several minor edge cracks. Interior velvet lining shows moderate fading, spots of discoloration and minor edge wear.Condition
- Shipping Info
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SHIPPING. At the request of the buyer, Cowan's will authorize the shipment of purchased items. Shipments usually occur within two weeks after payment has been received. Shipment is generally made via UPS Ground service. Unless buyer gives special instructions, the shipping method shall be at the sole discretion of Cowan's Auctions, Inc.. Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.
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