Lot 3238

Fine Cased Engraved Gastinne-Renette Percussion Target Pistol

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Fine Cased Engraved Gastinne-Renette Percussion Target Pistol

Estimate: $5,000 - $7,500

Starting Bid: $4,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Fine Cased Relief Engraved and Gold Inlaid Gastinne-Renette Percussion Target Pistol Louis-Julien Gastinne-Renette (1812-1885) was one of the finest gunmakers in France in the mid to late 19th century and was a gunmaker to Emperor Napoleon III and award winning exhibitor at the period's famous World's Fairs. The firm is particularly well-known for fine percussion dueling/target pistols like this one which continued to be used in the firm's shooting galleries long after their founder's death. The barrel of this pistol is signed "Gastinne Renette arq. de l'Empereur a Paris" on top and has the serial number "2759", "GASTINNE-RENETTE", and the year "1869" on the underside of the barrel along with the "crown/GR" maker's mark on the underside of the breech plug. The rifled barrel also features a dovetailed blade front sight, fluted midsection, and entwining line engraving. A fixed notch rear sight is on the standing breech. The breechplug, lock, and mounts are French gray and feature relief engraving mainly consisting of ornate foliate scrollwork along with "Gastinne Renette" signed in a banner on the lock plate, a bestial motif ahead of the hammer, and a gold inlaid "X" in a circle on the trigger guard bow. A coordinating "X" is engraved on the lid escutcheon of the case. The case interior has green baize lining, "GASTINNE-RENETTE/ARQUEBUSIER DE L'EMPEREUR/ET DU PRINCE IMPERIAL/PARIS" in gilt lettering inside the lid, and a full suite of accessories (replacement mold).

Manufacturer: Renette Gastinne

Model: Single Shot

BBL: 10 inch octagon

Stock: ebony

Gauge: 11 mm

Finish: brown/French grey

Serial Number2759

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Dr. Douglas Sirkin Collection; A Private Collection
  • Condition: Fine with 95% plus of the period refinished brown on the barrel, crisp engraving and markings, bright gold, even French gray color to the lock and mounts with darker patina in the backgrounds giving contrast, flash pitting around the nipple, minor bends in the breech plug and cracks in the fence, slightly loose pommel cap, and generally minor overall wear. The stock is also fine and has crisp checkering, small repair on the left flat, and minimal light scratches and dings. Mechanically functions. The case and accessories are also fine with cracks in the case and minor wear.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000