A FINE FRENCH OVER AND UNDER PERCUSSION PISTOL BY F.P. CARON PARIS 1852-74 GUNMAKER TO NAPOLEON III

This fine over and under pistol was made about 1860. The double barrel large bore style was fashionable with military officers. The .70 cal 6 1/2" barrels are rifled, Liege proofed and serial numbered. The upper barrel top is inscribed F. P Caron a Paris Aig de L. M. l'Empereur. The locks and furniture are finely engraved. The figured walnut stock is checkered and inset with a monogrammed silver escutcheon.

The maker, F. P. Caron, worked in Paris 1852-74. He was Gunmaker to Napoleon III, Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, nephew and heir of Napoleon I, first president of the French Republic, later Emperor of France (1852-70) and its last monarch.

The pistol is truly of royal quality, preserved with a light film of old dried oil. The engraving, particularly of the maker's name and credits, is preserved as new with the sides of the engraved lines crisp and reflective. The gun appears to have never been fired and is in untouched original condition. The silver escutcheon on the grip bears an Old English H B monogram which inspires speculation that the gun was made, perhaps as a gift from Louis Napoleon, for a member of the Bonaparte family.

Napoleon I's success resulted in the installation of family members in conquered countries including Italy, Spain, and Holland. A large network of royal and influential Bonapartes, one of which was likely the original owner of this gun, stretched across Europe.

Delivery to CA or NJ requires a FFL recipient.