The top of the blue finished barrel is marked "LE VAINQUEUR" (the winner) followed by "BE SGDG," all in flush gold inlay. The casehardened frame features entwining line engraved motifs throughout. A lion pinning a snake to the ground inside an oval is engraved on the right side of the frame. The monarchist symbolism of a lion vs. snake depicts the accession of King Louis-Philippe. The grips feature diamond checkering. Similar in overall configuration to the French "Le Merveilleux" pistol, with a spring-loaded barrel drawn back against the cartridge to chamber and fire the round. The pistol was manufactured without sights. Provenance: Gillespie collection.