A deluxe pocket pistol by Nicholas-Noël Boutet circa 1805
The quality of Boutet’s firearms is possibly equalled, but never surpassed, this unassuming little pocket pistol is an example in point.
Many of Boutet’s pocket pistols carried ultra-short turn-off barrels, this one is 25mm with a 13mm bore, engraved with multiple bands of geometric and floral engraving.
This pistol demonstrates several of Boutet’s innovations; concealed button operated safety locking the hammer at half-cock and concealed frizzen spring all attest to the quality of this pistol.The lock panels are fully signed in beautiful cursive script surrounded by foliage Boutet Directeur Artiste and MANUFre Versailles on the other.
Boutet’s deluxe grade pocket pistols have a unique feature – the fitting of the stock to the frame is not the usual right-angle box-like fit, it is a complex wave-like pattern requiring great skill.
Carrying what may be an inventory number, it is likely this pistol was not a commission; deluxe pocket pistols like this were a status symbol, often privately purchased by Officers and the gentry.
