2020 September Premier, Volume I

LOT 274
Pair of Exhibition Quality Engraved and Relief Carved Percussion Dueling/
Target Pistols from Chabry of Bordeaux -A) Chabry Dueling/Target Pistol - NSN,
52 cal., 9 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/gray finish, ebony stock. Francois Chabry (1796-
1844) was a gunmaker in Bordeaux, France. His son, Leonce Chabry, was also a noted
painter. The pistols have “1” and “2” respectively on top of the barrels and breech
plugs, “Chabry a Bordeaux” among the etched scroll patterns on the barrels and
marked below the hammers on the lock (in all caps), scroll engraving on the locks and
furniture, coordinating scroll carving on the stocks, and dovetailed blade front sights,
fixed notch rear sights. Given they are a matched pair with a combination of rather
large caliber rifled barrels, fixed rear sights, the overall design, and the light trigger
pulls, these pistols would have certainly qualified for use in a duel. Dueling remained
comparably common in France in the 19th century.
CONDITION: Very good with the period refurbished finish fading to a plum brown
along the barrel, crisp engraving and etching, light aged patina on the lock and
furniture, patches of pitting, some light oxidation, and general mild wear.
The refinished stock is also very good and has distinct carving, a split on the
right edge of the forend, minor cracks in the right side of the wrist and at the
lock screw, and small dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.
B) Chabry Dueling/Target Pistol - NSN, 52 cal., 9 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/
gray finish, ebony stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Very good with crisp engraving, thin period refurbished finish fading to
smooth patina along the barrel, patches of pitting, mostly light aged patina on the
lock and furniture, and mild overall wear. The refinished stock is also very fine and has
glossy finish, distinct carving, minor chip and crack at the lock screw, and some minor
dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5500 - 8500
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