A cased pair of English 39 bore percussion travelling pistols by Sykes of Oxford, sighted octagonal barrels 4 in., top flats engraved 'OXFORD', hooked breeches with foliate engraving and finely reeded borders to the plugs, the tangs, bolsters, lock plates and dolphin head hammers all with fine acanthus engraving; the locks marked 'SYKES', walnut full stocks with engraved steel furniture and chequered grips, vacant oval escutcheons to the wrists, brass tipped ram rods; in their baize lined fitted mahogany case with accessories comprising: Sykes patent combination powder flask with cap and bullet compartments under swing out covers to the base, oil bottle, bullet mould, jag head rod, and lacquered cap tin; Sykes trade label to inside of lid.

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.