Boutet, Versailles Flintlock Wender Pistol

A very rare form of multi-shot flintlock from a most renowned French maker. A Wender pistol from Boutet of Versailles.
The multi-shot Wender pistol with its turn-over barrels, each with their own pan and frizzen, first appeared in France and Holland in the mid 17th century. This example is most probably very late 18th century and as one would expect from Boutet, very ornate.
The sighted smoothbore .52 calibre barrels measure 6 ½ inches and the whole pistol measures 12 ½ inches. The octagonal to round barrels are of elaborately chiselled steel. One barrel is marked with what appears to be ‘N9 62’, the meaning of which is unknown to me.
Every metal part of this pistol has some form of embellishment, including the screws, pan, frizzen spring and barrel release catch. See the photos.
The lock is marked ‘Boutet / Versailles’ and the action is in good working order as is the turn barrel mechanism.
The chiselled brass furniture and rammer pipe are in a good clean condition. These would have been originally gilded. The horn tipped rammer appears original to the pistol.
The full-length stock is also in a very good condition with only a few expected handling marks.
Overall, a fine example of a very rare flintlock from a very renowned maker.
Sold as a collector item only.
Because of the high value of this item special shipping arrangements may have to be made. Lay buy available.