223. Lovely French Percussion Double Shotgun by Armand of Paris
12ga., 23" barrels with bright excellent bores. This is a lovely little shotgun, in its original length, and in a very nice state of condition. The barrels show a nice contrasting two-tone gray and brown damascus pattern their full-length, also with some very minor, and very sparse oxidation staining. The patent breeches show remnants of case-hardening with lovely sculpted cap deflection swirls and a light spray of excellent quality engraving on the rib between. The balance of the metal hardware is primarily a smooth pewter patina showing remnants of some mottled gray case-hardening. Tang, hammers and back action locks all feature loose, excellent quality foliate scroll with evidence that the engraving once had gold Damascening within. Each lockplate is maker marked in riband "Armand A Paris". The barrels are keyed to the forend with a single iron wedge, engraved in a scallop-shell pattern, through lightly engraved escutcheons. There is a lightly engraved tailpipe with sculpted finial and lightly engraved and sculpted triggerplate front extension. The long tang triggerguard shows some engraving at its rear extension and the bow shows nice loose scroll as well as a gold inlaid oval with three monogram initials, they appear to be "FEB". The straight grip French walnut stock rates excellent with much original varnish and nice checkering, showing only minor handling dings from light use. The toeline was constructed somewhat flat and the long tang buttplate shows a nice curved swirl at the toe, likely a design by the maker to preclude any toe chipping were the gun to take an impact in that area. The underside of the forend shows an iron receptacle which is threaded, similar to what one would expect for a thread-in palm rest; it is original equipment in every respect, it's true purpose is unknown. The locks are crisp and mechanically functional and the gun has maker-equipped sling swivels and comes with its original ebony ramrod with screw-off tip with wad pull screw beneath. Armand was active in Paris from 1814-1840. The lovely short French double uplander. (34773-4) {ANTIQUE} (1400/1800) SOLD FOR $1725.00 |
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