A .31 PERCUSSION HAMMERLESS BREAK-OPEN ROBBINS & LAWRENCE PATENT PEPPERBOX REVOLVER, MODEL 'RIBBED BARREL', serial no. 4568, for between 1851-54, with turn-off rifled 3in. five-shot barrel group, one of the false ribs signed 'PATENT 1849', scroll engraving to the breech-end and action body, the radiused action with octagonal front section, the top with push button barrel release, the barrels hinging down for capping, single-action ring cocking trigger with additional trigger to front, saw-handled frame with rear-mounted cocking indicator and smooth hardwood grips, traces of finish.

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.