Boutet et Fils: a fine percussion conversion 20 bore double sporting gun

Boutet et Fils: a fine percussion conversion 20 bore double sporting gun, barrels 28.5 in., inlain in gold with 'BOUTET ET FILS/ A VERSAILLE' and with 'No 622' in gold to the top rib, platinum bead, hooked breech, the tang with a trough for sighting, the locks each engraved 'Boutet et Fils a Versailles' in cursive script, the later hammers engraved 'Dubose' and 'Renne', half stock with steel furniture in characteristic French style, chequered fore hand and wrist, finely chequered steel butt plate, brass tipped wooden ramrod.

Nicolas Noel Boutet (1761-1833) is celebrated as the foremost gunmaker of the Revolution and of the 1st Empire. Enjoying the patronage of Napoleon Bonaparte, he was director of the arms manufactory at Versailles and completed many commissions for presentation arms of the highest standard.