Francois Pirmet was active around 1779 to 1818 in Paris and was gunmaker to Girolamo Buonaparte (1784-1860), aka Jerome-Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleon's younger brother, King of Westphalia from 1807 to 1813, Prince of Montfort from 1816-1860, and Marshal of France and President of the French Senate. A somewhat similar double barrel shotgun by Pirmet is on view at the MET. The barrels have gold scroll patterns at the muzzles, a gold pattern around the blade front sight, "PIRMET A PARIS" in gold on the top of the rib surrounded by gold floral and scroll patterns, "crown/FR" stamps on top at the breech, and silver ramrod pipes on the bottom of the rib. The locks have "PIRMET/A PARIS" at center, seated griffins at the tails, gold lined pans with bestial faces engraved on the stirrups, and additional floral engraving. The silver ramrod entry pipe has an engraved boar's head finial. The silver trigger guard has a bowl of fruit and flowers over a pair of Dacian style Dracos as the finial, god's head (likely Jupiter) over a pair of horns and oak leaves on the bow, three hallmarks on the tang, and leaves engraved at the tip of the tang. The buttplate is also silver and has a fruit basket on the tang, engraving along the edge, and hallmarks on the back. The forend and side panels have border, scroll, and floral carving, and the semi-pistol grip wrist is carved with a dragon's head and scales. The comb is fluted. The ramrod has a silver bestial tip.

Exceptionally fine with 80% plus gold remaining, attractive natural aged patina on the silver throughout, mostly mottled gray-brown patina on the barrel and lock, mild oxidation, replaced/repaired cocks, chips at the top of the frizzens, and minor scratches and marks. The stock is very good and has discreet repairs such as cracks in the forend, distinct checkering and carving, attractive natural grain, and minor scratches and pressure marks. Mechanically fine.