Double-Barreled Flintlock Shotgun with Exchangeable Percussion Locks and Barrels by Nicolas Noël Boutet

Double-Barreled Flintlock Shotgun with Exchangeable Percussion Locks and Barrels 1793 - 1860

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mixed-media, print, metal, wood, engraving

mixed-media

print

metal

sculpture

classical-realism

wood

history-painting

decorative-art

engraving

Dimensions: L. of gun 47 3/8 in. (120.3 cm); L. of double barrel 31 7/8 in. (81.0 cm); L. of percussion locks 5 in. (12.7 cm); L. of bullet pouch 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm); L. of priming flask 6 5/8 in. (16.8 cm); L. of bullet mold 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm); L. of ramrod extension 10 3/8 in. (26.4 cm); L. of hammer extractor 2 3/16 in. (5.6 cm); L. of brush for cleaning barrel 2 13/16 in. (7.1 cm); L. of bullet extractor 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm); L. of screwdriver 6 in. (15.2 cm); L. of bullet extractor 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm); L. of touch hole cleaner 3 3/16 in. (8.1 cm); Cal. .61 in. (15.5 mm); Wt. of gun 6 lbs. 15 oz. (3150 g); Wt. of double barrel 3 lbs. 8 oz. (1600 g); Wt. of percussion locks 5 oz. (150 g); Wt. of bullet pouch 2.5 oz. (71 g); Wt. of priming flask 4.6 oz. (131 g); Wt. of bullet mold 7 oz. (198 g)

Editor: So, this is the “Double-Barreled Flintlock Shotgun with Exchangeable Percussion Locks and Barrels," created sometime between 1793 and 1860 by Nicolas Noël Boutet. It’s quite ornate – a beautiful object, but inherently linked to violence, which is a strange duality. What strikes you about it? Curator: It does have a certain… *je ne sais quoi*, doesn't it? Weapons as art objects. We decorate them, imbue them with status and story. Think of those mythical swords we read about as children. This shotgun, for instance. I wonder, did Boutet see himself crafting instruments of power or canvases for engraving? Notice the mixed media – the dance of metal, wood, print, all those engravings whispering tales of the hunt, of conquest… Editor: Right, it's like a history painting, but on a weapon! Do you think the embellishments served a purpose beyond aesthetics? Curator: Oh, undoubtedly. The beauty serves as a distraction, doesn’t it? It elevates the owner, signals wealth and authority. And in a time when personal combat was, perhaps, a bit more commonplace, such a display might’ve been…persuasive. Almost like a peacock fanning its tail. Don't you find yourself wanting to know the story behind each flourish? Editor: Absolutely! Each swirl seems to hint at a secret. Now I see that it’s a sign of wealth but also intimidating. Thank you. Curator: It's funny, isn't it? How we can find ourselves drawn to the very things that also make us uneasy. Art reflecting humanity, flaws and all. Thanks to you for the journey.