Flintlock percussion pistol, superbly crafted by Boutet Directeur-artiste, 187 mm octagonal barrel with drawer, BOUTET stamped and engraved top, front sight, thunderbolt and muzzle enhanced with gold, drop tail engraved with trophies, chimney on inertia block, 115 mm lock, engraved with a palmiped and signed "Manufre à Versailles", the two clear cocking notches, flat bodied hammer, counter plate superbly engraved with chimeric birds, cut iron trigger guard, engraved with an eagle and ending in a flowery urn at the front, attractive walnut frame with fine checkering, engraved thumb piece and oval pommel, ramrod missing, hammer crest missing, wear, oxidation, LT 325 mm, France Empire period, category D § e.

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.