ACCESSORIES AND LEATHER OUTER COVER. - SN #1. 3658. #2 3683. (on bottoms of brls). Cal. .429 groove dia., base dia. .463 and rim dia. .517. Straight pistol cartridge most likely 44 Russian. This lovely pair of pistols have 10-3/16" brls which transition from octagon to 16 sided and back to octagon at muzzles. Flats of central sections are fluted. Top flats at breech ends are engraved "GASTINNE-RENETTE A PARIS". Bottoms of brls are stamped with maker's name, SNs and dates "1889". Case hardened small size bar in wood actions are fitted with side levers which operate Purdey type duel under bolts, front spring side locks with rebated tails have serpentine rebounding hammers with tall spurs. Action tangs are fitted with elevation adjustable "U" notch rear sights. Actions and locks are engraved with exceptionally well cut small shaded scroll. Maker's name is on each lockplate. The numbers "1" & "2" are engraved on brls, tops of actions and inside each forend. Stocks of dense European walnut have long checkered target grips with case hardened heavy grip caps. Trigger plates have spear finials. Blued trigger guards with finger spurs are also engraved with scroll which surrounds two color gold relief inlaid monograms "CB". Matching small short splinter forends are uncheckered and attached to brls with single case hardened and engraved steel sidebolts through oval escutcheons. Pistols are housed in their original mahogany case with flush brass shield on top engraved with monogram "CB". Case is lined in royal blue velvet. Maker's name and address are in gold on cloth in lid. Bottom compartment is French fitted for pistols and a complete array of original accessories including steel mould casting a round ball .430 diameter, case hardened capping and de-capping tool, steel powder measure marked "44", small pewter oil bottle by James Dixon, mahogany handled cleaning and loading rod, turn screw, striker key and short loading rod. A covered compartment with ebony knob holds two keys, one steel and one brass, both of which operate lock. Case comes with its original knapped wool lined leather case embossed with decorative lines.

Exceptionally fine. Brls retaining about 70% original blue most loss due to the fact that sharp edges and outlines of edges are purposely polished to bright. This finish has dulled and there is some loss to blue from cleaning on flats. Some high edge wear is evident on actions and locks but case hardening color remains vibrant. Nearly all charcoal blue remains on side levers and trigger guards as well as actions. Stocks retain nearly all of their original oil finish with only a few very minor light marks. Bores are bright and shiny, actions are tight, locks are crisp. Case retains nearly all of its original French polish on exterior as protected by its lined leather case which shows considerable rubbing and marks. Straps remain intact. Interior cloth is very fine with light dust and soiling along with compressions in lid from contact with guns and accessories. Accessories remain close to as new with bright polish remaining on steel parts and original finish remaining on wood. Wood of cleaning rod is lighter in color than that found on other pieces. ANTIQUE.