Pair Of Finely Engraved Flintlock Pistols, 1st Empire

This pair of flintlock pistols with a "box"is very finely engraved, with a particularly neat animal and floral decoration. We are far from the mass production of the mid-19th century. We can date them from the first quarter of the 19th century. These weapons have the particularity of being "forced bullet" that is to say that the barrels unscrew to allow loading from the rear. These quality weapons are even equipped with a safety system. They bear the proof mark of the city of Liège (ELG)
BARRELS: they are short since these pistols are intended for close defense. They unscrew easily, and are numbered like the back of the chamber 1 and 2 The internal diameter is 13 mm.
MECHANISM : this is the flintlock system, called "box" to indicate that the springs and the entire mechanism are internal. The operation is excellent, the two notches are very clean and hold well. The hammers are called "swan neck"
Wooden presentation wedges mounted on red velvet represent the flints. Raising the hammer to the 2nd notch makes the trigger come out of its housing.
ENGRAVED DECORATIONS ON THE SIDES : They are finely made.
On pistol number 1 = A fox turning around to look at a bird, and on the other side a lying lion
On pistol number 2 = A dog that seems stopped in front of game and on the other side a lying animal difficult to identify: donkey? unicorn?
STOCKS : They are in polished walnut, and each has on the back an oval silver medallion called "thumb piece" these medallions are engraved with the intertwined initials L and G.
This pair of pistols is therefore of above-average quality, and the engravings are of high quality. The operation is excellent, they are just waiting for a place of honor in a display case.
Ref D 25/2-02
Shipping costs France €30, Europe €40, no shipping outside Europe.