Original French Made Matched Pair of Upmarket Rifled Percussion 'Dueling' Pistols Retailed by Canfield Bros. Baltimore with Carved Stocks - Circa 1850

Item DescriptionOriginal items. One of a Kind Set! This is a beautiful matched pair of French percussion pistols, often referred to a 'Dueling Pistols', even though by the time these were produced duels were rarely performed, and they were never common. The pistols feature lovely 10 1/2' long octagonal barrels, which are actually sixteen sided towards the middle, with a further flute one one of the sides. The metalwork is all masterfully engraved, and the stocks are covered with high relief carving. Measuring 16 1/2 inches overall, these would definitely have been a bit long for every day use, but perfect for display over a mantelpiece or in a custom case.Both are marked clearly across the rear of the barrel withCANFIELD BROTHERS BALTIMORE, which is a known mid 19th Century Outfitter, which lasted at least until the U.S. Civil War. We cannot find much on pistols marked by this company, so we assume these were brought in as a custom order for a particular customer. The barrels on both feature heavy seven groove rifling, and measure out at about .45'. There are proof marks on the bottom of the barrel, which definitely look to be French, however we were not able to determine much from them. There is the markingJ. DEMETmarked at the front inside of the stock on both pistols, which could be the stock supplier, or possibly the person who executed the fantastic carvings in the wood.We checked the locks on both, and they are fully functional, holding correctly at half cock an firing at full. The bores of both still show the rifling well, however they also do show fouling and oxidation, so these pistols were definitely used, most likely for target shooting. The stocks on both show some wear, with one showing cracking on both sides around the lock area, while the other shows evidence of a repaired crack around the grip area.A fantastic pair of Mid 19th Century French 'dueling' pistols, imported by a known Baltimore Outfitter, almost certainly for some well-heeled client. Definitely a great set more than worthy of further research!Specifications (Both):-Year of Manufacture: circa 1850Caliber: .65' PistolAmmunition Type: Lead Ball & PowderBarrel Length: 10 1/2 inchesOverall Length: 16 1/2 inchesAction: Flintlock Side ActionFeed System: Muzzle-LoadedNOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.Shipping RestrictionsThis product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New JerseyThis product is available for international shipping.Payment OptionsNot eligible for payment with Paypal or AmazonLegal InformationIMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.These antique guns are not sold in 'live' condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as 'wall hangers' not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.