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1 of 253523 objects
Sporting gun 1780 - 1820
Blued steel, carved walnut | 110.0 cm (length) | RCIN 61154
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A double barrel over-and-under flintlock sporting gun; browned barrels, the top rifled, the lower smooth bore. Lock engraved with a hunting scene with dog and pheasant; steel mounts engraved with trophies; walnut stock carved with chequering and palmettes; pistol grip ending in a grotesque head.
Provenance
Le Page was a family firearms manufacturer (arquebusier and fourbisseur) established in Paris in 1717. This gun was created during the ownership of Jean Le Page (1746–1834) who supervised the business between 1779–1822 operating from 13 rue de Richelieu, near the Palais Royal. The unique and luxurious craftsmanship of the firm's output had a wide ranging clientele both in France and abroad serving successively Louis XVI, the revolutionary movement, Napoloen Bonapart, both as First Consul and then as Emperor, and of Louis XVIII.
The gun was presented to The Prince Regent by Lieutenant Brooke of the Blues (Royal Horse Guards) in 1817. In a note to Sir Benjamin Bloomfield, the Prince's Private Secretary, it was described by as having been 'constantly used by Bonaparte... in the forests of Fontainebleau, Marly or St. Germain ... [he] had it with him during his residence in the Isle of Elba'. -
Creator(s)
(gunsmith)(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Blued steel, carved walnut
Measurements
110.0 cm (length)
71.2 cm (barrel length)
Category
Other number(s)
Place of Production
Paris [Île-de-France]
