Pair of Pistols

Pair of flintlock rifled pistols; barrel inlaid with gold stars, swags and incense burner; chiselled and inlaid lock with gold dragon, acanthus leaves and lightening; steel mounts inlaid with gold and chiselled with foliage; walnut stock with two ebony and silver panels. These pistols are of outstanding craftsmanship and show the best quality for presentation weapons of this period. They are the work of Nicolas Boutet, Director of the factory established at Versailles in 1792 to produce arms for the Revolutionary army and later, luxury arms for presentation. They were presented to George IV by the Marquis of Wellesley, in May 1810.