(A) FRENCH SHOTGUN MANUFACTURED AT VERSAILLES IN

2 stage octagonal to round barrel with silver front sight with remnants of gold floral motifs around front sight. Wedding rings at girdles which are further accented by florals. Rib between octagonal section with geometrics and dots and what appear to be initials but are now very difficult to read, may be "RDU". Poincons present but illegible except for roses and globus cruciger. Percussion locks converted from flintlock and fitted with dolphin form hammers. Brass tipped ramrod with worm is retained by beaded ferrules and feeing into a reinforced mouth with faceted floral finial. Barrel retained by single key. Left lock signed "de Versailles", right signed "Manufacture". Wide trigger guard with double triggers and an elaborate urn finial with floral motifs. Trigger guard and tang decorated en suite. Buttplate elaborately engraved en suite with balance of gun. Checkering panels at forearm and wrist with a silver diamond at top of wrist. Leather sling mounted to second ferrule and loop installed behind tang. While not signed, the work is very reminiscent of Boutet's style. CONDITION: Metal is a smooth chocolate patina throughout, obscuring some legends. Gold inlay has lifted in several areas but traces are still visible. Wood has been worn smooth with chips and cracks throughout but solid. Silver diamond has tip broken at wrist. Actions work appropriately when cycled by hand, bores are good with even pitting. When first build, this gun would have been very expensive and was certainly a point of pride. EW Barrel Length: 33" FFL Status: Antique Gauge: 28 Gauge Manufacturer: French Model: SxS Serial Number: NSN