Pair Of Pistols With "duck's Peak" Barrel By Harzé In Liège, Circa 1830

The distinctive feature of this pair of pistols is their beautiful "duck peak" barrels, meaning they are oval-shaped and therefore have a pronounced widening at the muzzle. These pistols are of a military type, hence their understated decoration. They are signed by the renowned Liège gunsmith Jean Jacques Harzé (1800-1881), (second generation of the name), who was the son of Jean Nicolas Harzé (1743-1819) – from the family of the sculptor Léopold Harzé. When the Stöckel dictionary gives 1785-1885 as the Harzé family's active period, it naturally includes both generations of Harzé, father and son.
These pistols were originally flintlock and were converted to percussion in the 1830s or 1840s.
BARRELS : They are in very good condition, with Damascus steel exhibiting a beautiful chocolate-colored patina. The first section of the barrel is octagonal, then after 7.5 cm, the barrels flare out to form an oval section known as a "duck peak." On the upper part of each barrel is the manufacturer's signature: "Harzé à Liège." Barrel length = 16 cm, internal dimensions at the muzzle: width 3.9 cm, height 2 cm.
LOCKS : They are simple, reflecting a military design characterized by its simplicity and efficiency. The action is perfect; the two notches hold without any problem, and the springs are particularly strong. 
STOCKS : They are rounded and exhibit the characteristic curve of pistols of this period, such as the French Model 1833, or the Dutch-Belgian naval pistol, which also features a smooth stock. A small domed iron cap protects the bottom of the stock.
The trigger guards are made of iron, as are the two small side plates and the ramrod tube for each pistol.
The ramrods are made of whalebone.
A beautiful pair of pistols in excellent condition, of an unusual model, these will add a touch of originality to a collection of firearms from this period. Free shipping within France, €30 for Europe, no shipping outside of Europe.
Ref AMA-2628