Unusual Cased Pair of Engraved Devisme Parisian Percussion Pocket Pistols -A) Devisme Back Action Pistol Unusual Cased Pair of Engraved Devisme Parisian Percussion Pocket Pistols -A) Devisme Back Action Pistol These pistols were manufactured around the mid-1840s in Paris by well-known gunmaker Jean-Louis Francois Devisme who was known for unconventional designs. He presented at many of the international exhibitions in the period and won an honorable mention at the 1834 exhibition, silver medals at the 1839 & 1841 exhibitions, and numerous other medals at the Expositions Universelles in years 1844, 1849, 1851, 1855, 1862, and 1867. Many of his firearms featured ebony or ebonized stocks like this pair. The back action locks are at an extreme angle so that the lock plate extends down the wrist. Despite the strange appearance, the pistols point very naturally. A similar pair by Devisme is also known with the hammer reversed so that it dropped towards the user and allowed the barrel to be seated even further back. They have silver bands at the muzzle and breech, dovetailed post front sights, "DEVISME A PARIS" inlaid in silver on top, and notch rear sights on the barrel plug tang. Scroll engraving is found throughout except the barrel. The ramrods are threaded into the pommel caps. The pair comes in a case with French fitted interior, a small powder flask, key, and cap box. Manufacturer: Devisme FP Model: Single Shot BBL: 3 1/2 inch octagon Stock: hardwood Gauge: 36 percussion Finish: blue/gray Grips: Serial Number: NSN Class: Antique Condition: Very fine with 85% plus original blue finish, mild edge wear, aged patina on the silver, mostly smooth gray on the balance, and some light marks and scratches. The refinished stock is very good and has crisp checkering, a few slight dings, and smooth, glossy finish. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with mild storage wear including fading of much of the purple lining. The lining remains bright in the protected areas under the items. The accessories are very good. B) Devisme Back Action Pistol As A but with "4" marked on the right side of the barrel. Manufacturer: Devisme FP Model: Single Shot BBL: 3 1/2 inch octagon Stock: hardwood Gauge: 36 percussion Finish: blue/gray Grips: Serial Number: NSN Class: Antique Condition: Very fine with 80% original blue finish, mild edge wear, some light Damascus patterns showing through the blue, aged patina on the silver, mostly smooth gray on the balance, and typical light marks and scratches. The refinished stock is very good and has crisp checkering, glossy finish, some minor dings, and some slight chips at the edges. Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive set built around a distinctive pair of pistols by one of the great French masters.

  • Condition: See Description

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We will arrange for packing and shipping at our earliest possible convenience. We will attempt to ship as soon as possible, however, due to the huge volume of absentee bidders, delays in shipping of seven days after full payment is received by us is typical. In the case of crating or any exceptional packaging, the buyer will be charged our cost from outside agents. Buyer pays all shipping and insurance charges.

by Rock Island Auction Company
September 10, 2017 9:00 AM CDT
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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 + $10,000