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These handsome cased dueling pistols were created by Deboubert of Paris
The pair rest within the original case, complete with assorted accessories for care and use
It is seldom that a pair of 19th-century dueling pistols are found in such complete condition
The pistols are .45 caliber percussion caps with rifled barrels
The mechanism of each is clearly signed
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French Dueling Pistols by Deboubert

  • This beautiful pair of French cased dueling pistols were crafted by Deboubert of Paris
  • The firearms are .45 caliber percussion caps with rifled barrels
  • The original case also includes an assortment of accessories
  • This complete, original pair of pistols are a fascinating relic of a bygone era of honor and conduct
  • Get complete item description here
$39,850
Item No. 30-3923

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Description
This handsome pair of .45-caliber percussion cap pistols, complete in their original case, was crafted by Deboubert of Paris. The octagonal muzzles are rifled with eight grooves, giving an accurate and lethal edge to these genteel weapons. Positioned in their fitted, velvet-lined case and with their accompanying accessories, these pistols are of exceptional quality and condition. Accouterments housed in the case include a mallet, cap box, ball box, cleaning rods, screw drive/nipple wrench, flask and. . .
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This handsome pair of .45-caliber percussion cap pistols, complete in their original case, was crafted by Deboubert of Paris. The octagonal muzzles are rifled with eight grooves, giving an accurate and lethal edge to these genteel weapons. Positioned in their fitted, velvet-lined case and with their accompanying accessories, these pistols are of exceptional quality and condition. Accouterments housed in the case include a mallet, cap box, ball box, cleaning rods, screw drive/nipple wrench, flask and bullet mold. The mechanism on each pistol is engraved “DEBOUBERT A PARIS.”

In the 1770s, gunsmiths, chiefly in England and France, began to produce purpose-built dueling pistols. These were usually made as "cased pairs" with two identical pistols in a box with powder flasks, bullet molds and other accessories. Many pistols were made with the flintlock mechanism, but this system had some deficiencies, including a vulnerability to weather and a significant delay between the trigger pull and actual firing of the gun. By 1815, gunsmiths were switching to the percussion-cap system, which proved to be much more reliable and less prone to misfire.

Dueling was a privilege of the upper class. Gentlemen were expected to defend their honor and duels were conducted with exquisite politeness. Dueling developed in southern France during the Renaissance and flourished in Europe and North America in the 18th century. In the mid-1700s, the traditional dueling weapon, the sword, fell out of fashion in favor of the pistol. There were detailed guidelines for the conducting of duels, the most notable being the Rules and Articles of War, which governed not only how countries would interact when in conflict, but also an officer's behavior. Not behaving as a gentleman meant a loss of social standing.

Circa 1830

Pistols: 16” length
Case: 18 7/8” wide x 10 1/2” deep x 3 1/8” high
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These handsome cased dueling pistols were created by Deboubert of Paris
Period: 19th Century
Origin: France
Type: Arms and Armor
Length: 0 in. 
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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