The French firearms makers Verney-Carron trace the firms origins to 1820. This attractive set of pistols was likely manufactured early in the firm's long history. Each pistol has an octagon barrel fitted with a dovetailed blade front sight and marked with "Verney Carron Freres a Marseille" on top. The pistols have tight scroll engraving on most of the components and have a gold "1" on the barrel and upper tang of gun A, and a gold "2" on gun B. The rear sights are integral notches on the upper tangs. Both have hooked triggerguards and checkered walnut stocks with floral carving patterns and checkered pistol grips. The pair comes in a French fitted case with green felt lined interior marked "VERNEY CARRON FRERES/MARSEILLE "and includes the following accessories in the upper section: pick, nipple wrench, oiler and compartments with patches and lead balls. The top section lifts out of the case to reveal a second layer divided into sections. The lower section contains: two "PMC" marked containers, wooden ramrods, a cleaner rod and brush, leather belt, key, tins of caps, spare nipple, wrench, powder flask and a five cavity gang mold.

Very good. The barrel displays a mottled brown patina while the remaining component mostly display a gray patina. There are some patches of spotting and pitting. The stock is also very good with sharp checkering, crisp carved designs, and various small nicks and marks. The action is excellent. The case is good with minor storage type wear on the exterior and some stains and minor tears on the interior including the outline of the pistols pressed into the lid. The accessories are fine.

As discussed in A.

Very good. The pistol has a dark brown patina with pitting and oxidation on the barrel and a gray patina with areas of slight pitting and spotting on the remaining surfaces. The stock is good as repaired with crisp checkering, minor dings and a spliced section on the forend. The action is fine. The markings on the barrel are mostly obscured but match gun A.