mid 19th century, popular style in Belgium and France, 50 caliber, both pistols have 9-1/2 in. octagonal barrels with fluting to edges at midsections containing gilt plating, "Acier Fondu" in gilt on the tops of barrels which translates to "Fluid Steel", gold numbers "1" and "2" marks at breech and barrel tangs in front of rear sight on pistols, faint oval Liege proofs to left side of barrels, proof marks under barrel of pistol "1" stamped "124" and "37", stamped "JF" on inside of the forends, pistol "1" has an engraving of a leopard on the lock and bird on the trigger guard, pistol "2" has an engraving of a tiger to the lock and bird to trigger guard, both upper tangs have engraved Elves heads behind rear sights, other metal components engraved with variations of scroll, foliate and pattern engraving, ebony wood stocks have relief carved scroll and foliate motifs with carved fluted grip, engraved butt cap with stepped finial, 16 in. overall lengths, beautifully figured case with floral and scroll inlay, red felt lining, loading and cleaning rods, a worm, powder flask, measure, cap container, screwdriver and nipple wrench

Provenance: Rock Island Auction Company, December 4th, 2020, lot 312, from the Dr. Gerald Klaz collection; The Estate of Peter H. Tillou, Litchfield, Connecticut

both pistols with 85% of original blue finish, bright original gold, light gray surface to locks and other metal furniture surfaces, light distress to gilt in barrel flutes, both barrels with handling and storage wear and minor abrasions, pistol "1" with oxidation marks to bluing of barrel as well as pitting to barrel above left side of forend, thin crack in grip, minor oxidation to some engraved metal surfaces, minor handling marks to stock, pistol "2" has very small cracks to stock on left flat near sidelock screw, other handling wear to stock, some minor surface oxidation, case with cracks, surface wear, splits on bottom, missing corner piece, repairs, both pistols function mechanically