Luxurious pair of officer's pistols, Consulat, Empire period. Flat-bodied flintlock pistols with piston action, signed Soviche Fils. They are fully chased and feature chased flat-bodied hammers with a flame-spitting chimera motif. Bronzed and niello-coated octagonal barrels decorated with lightning bolts and foliage. Inscribed "CANON TORDU" in gold on the firing band. Chased white polished breech tails. Checkered walnut stocks, all finely chased iron fittings, finger rest bridges, oval caps and guilloche screws. Trigger shanks with adjustable start. Good mechanics. Nice production from Saint-Etienne. Consulate period, First Empire. Length: 39.5 cm Soviche Fils Contrôleur des platines à la manufacture de Saint-Etienne an IV. Confirmed 2nd class in year XIV, promoted to reviseur on February 11, 1808 until December 27, 1811. Soviche was a member of the factory's board of directors from 15 brumaire an IV to 20 pluviôse an IV. This board resigned on 1 thermidor AN IV. Category D weapons. Expert: Mr. Alban Degrave.