OE - GOOD - some minor replacement parts; metal smoothly rusted or lightly pitted in places, cleaned; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal legible; lightly scratched, bruised or minor cracks repaired; in good working order.

WW - WOOD IS WORSE FOR THE PERCENT FINISH RATING GIVEN

French royal and imperial gunmaker Nicolas Noel Boutet (1761-1833) remains one of the most renown European gunmakers of the late 18th century and early 19th century. The locks signed "Boutet" (right) and "a Versailles" (left) in gold inlay. Bottom of the barrels marked "TORDU" (right) and "Melrey/Dumares" (left). Among the designs are an French imperial eagle carved in the forend, a bestial face carved in the semi-pistol grip shaped wrist, and a swan engraved on the trigger guard finial. The latter was a symbol used extensively by Empress Josephine as can still be seen at her home Chateau de Malmaison.