This stunning cased pair of pistols were manufactured at the famous Versailles Manufactory run by Nicolas-Noel Boutet in circa 1810 and were subsequently expertly converted to percussion between 1830 and 1840. The Norman Blank Estate's notes indicate the pistols were purchased from well-known California dealer Martin Retting on May 21, 1958, and are illustrated and listed in "Golden State Arms World's Guns and Other Weapons" 1958 catalogue on page 94. The top plates on the boxlock actions are each inscribed "MANUFACT/VERSAILLES," and the underside of each pistol at the breech is inscribed "BOUTET/DIRECTEUR/ARTISTE." The pistols feature very finely detailed engraving that coordinates on the pistols but varies in the details. Among the designs are vases, floral garlands, decorative borders, and minuscule detailed animal scenes. The grips feature stunning relief carved floral patterns and bead borders. The barrels have deep crowns and studs on the underside for removal using the barrel key incorporated in one handle of the ball mold within the case. The ebony veneer case which houses the pistols vertically has dark green velvet lining with bullion thread lace trim.

See "A." Provenance: Martin Retting; The Norman R. Blank Collection