Lot 1199

Nicolas Noel Boutet Versailles Manufactory Flintlock Pistol

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Nicolas Noel Boutet Versailles Manufactory Flintlock Pistol

Estimate: $18,000 - $27,500

Starting Bid: $16,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Gold Inlaid Nicolas Noel Boutet Versailles Manufactory "Marshal of France" Officer's Flintlock Pistol with Jupiter Silver Pommel Cap The renowned Versailles Manufactory led by Nicolas Noel Boutet (1761-1833) produced some of the most elaborate "armes de luxe" at the end of the 18th century and in the early 19th century. Boutet was appointed gunmaker to King Louis XVI and then directeur artiste of the Manufacture d'Armes de Versailles in 1793, the same year the king was executed for treason for assisting the foreign invasion of France. Boutet continued in this role under the Directory in 1795-1799 as Napoleon led the French to a series of victories in Italy and Austria and attempted to conquer Egypt and Syria. In 1800 following the Coup of 18 Brumaire when the Directory was overthrown, Napoleon as First Consul granted Boutet an eighteen year concession to direct the factory. Many of the finest French firearms ever made were commissioned by Napoleon himself from Boutet as presentation pieces for his officers, political allies, and foreign dignitaries as well as for the personal use of the emperor and his family. In addition to these finely embellished arms, Boutet was also responsible for providing over 150,000 firearms and swords for the French armies and thus was involved in Napoleon's military conquests more directly. This early 19th century pistol reflects the "empire style" arms which have heavier Greco-Roman and Egyptian influence following Napoleon’s conquest in Egypt and his coronation as Napoleon I, Emperor of the French. The silver pommel cap has Jupiter surrounded by lightning bolts, and the right edge has French hallmarks, including a "*/JM" marking. The engraved screw plate at the toe and ramrod tip are also silver. The other mounts are bright steel. The lock screw plates are engraved. The lock is signed "MANUFAC/AVersailles". The finely rifled barrel has a fixed silver blade front sight, dished rear sight on the upper tang, "Boutet Directeur Artiste" and "Manufacture a Versailles" signed on the upper left and right respectively, gold inlaid bands at the muzzle and breech with engraving, a gold lined vent, and gold lined "BC", "NB" (two variations), and "LC" makers' marks at the breech. The full-length stock has a finely checkered wrist. This pistol is featured in Dean Taylor's 2011 American Society of Arms Collectors article "Officers' Pistols of Napoleon's Consular and Imperial Guard: 1799-1815" in Figure 55 and identified as the "Marshal of France, Jupiter butt model". He wrote, "In 1804, the title of 'Marshal' was established, these most senior commanders of Napoleon’s army over the years totaled 62 promotions. In many cases, they were the recipients of the finest firearms that Boutet would produce at Versailles, often presented directly by the Emperor himself. Certainly the Medusa model in the highest deluxe grade and the Jupiter or Zeus model were used in battle formations by the marshals." A document with Dean G. Taylor's bio and a variety of Boutet pistols was found in the barrel. A pistol of this design was also featured in figures 30 and 31 in Taylor's earlier 1979 article "The Manufacture d'Armes de Versailles" and listed as from the A. F. Roddy Collection. Included documentation indicates the pistol was sold to Taylor by fellow arms and armor expert Laurent Mirouze of Paris in 1991.

Manufacturer: Boutet

Model: Flintlock

BBL: 10 5/8 inch part octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: .69

Finish: blue/gold/bright/silver

Serial NumberNSN

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Laurent Mirouze Collection; The Dean Taylor Collection; A Private Collection
  • Condition: Fine with attractively aged patina on the silver, mostly bright lock and mounts with minor pitting, most of the bright original gold remaining with some light flaking, 20% original blue remaining on the barrel, mottled gray and brown patina and oxidation on the balance, and general mild wear. The stock is very good with some cracks and small chips in the forend, crisp checkering, and minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.

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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