Pair of Silver-Mounted Flintlock Pistols for the Dauphin of France
$164,500.00
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Pair of Silver-Mounted Fintlock Pistols
Jacques-Louis Arault
Circa 1750
This exquisite pair of silver-mounted flintlock holster pistols was almost certainly commissioned by Louis XV for his son, the Dauphin of France, on his 21st birthday. Crafted by the King’s favored gunmaker, Jacques-Louis Arault, the pistols are stunning works of art—fit for the king of France. Sadly, the Dauphin died young and never ascended the throne, yet he fathered three future kings: Louis XVI, Louis XVIII and Charles X. In a final act, he entrusted these firearm heirlooms to his confidant, Le Comte d’Espinchal, a court advisor who shaped pivotal moments in France’s history.
The story of Louis, Dauphin of France, is one of profound significance. As the father of three future kings, Dauphin Louis played a crucial role in shaping the Bourbon dynasty, which would later lead France through its most transformative years. Known for his deep piety and steadfast loyalty to traditional values, he held a firm belief in the serious responsibilities of kingship, principles that left a lasting mark on his heirs. In 1765 when he was just 36 and knew he was dying of tuberculosis, Dauphin Louis gifted these exquisite pistols to Le Comte d’Espinchal, his right-hand man, as a token of his loyalty and esteem. They would have been by far the most important and valuable treasures in Le Comte d’Espinchal’s possession. Over two centuries later these guns sold at Sotheby’s in 1992 for $65,295.55—a substantial sum for the time, underscoring their distinguished provenance.
Created by Jacques-Louis Arault, the most esteemed gunmaker of the mid-18th century, these pistols display his signature exceptional craftsmanship, reserved for royalty. The pommels are cast and chased in high relief with dolphin motifs—the symbol for the Dauphin, as "dauphin" translates to "dolphin" in French, an emblem associated with the crown prince. Their escutcheons are adorned with the Royal Arms of the Dauphin. Arault, the distinguished court gunmaker at Versailles, used his masterful skills to incorporate such intricate detailing, ensuring these pistols exemplified the height of 18th-century French artistry. The presentation inscription, dated 1765, honors Le Comte d’Espinchal, signifying his loyalty and esteemed service.
Signed "Arault A Versailles"
In case: 4 5/8" high x 20" wide x 2 1/4" deep
Provenance:
Private collection of Louis, Dauphin of France
Private collection of Le Comte d’Espinchal, France
Private collection, Mississippi
MSR, New Orleans
Pair of Silver-Mounted Flintlock Pistols for the Dauphin of France
$164,500.00
Jacques-Louis Arault
Circa 1750
This exquisite pair of silver-mounted flintlock holster pistols was almost certainly commissioned by Louis XV for his son, the Dauphin of France, on his 21st birthday. Crafted by the King’s favored gunmaker, Jacques-Louis Arault, the pistols are stunning works of art—fit for the king of France. Sadly, the Dauphin died young and never ascended the throne, yet he fathered three future kings: Louis XVI, Louis XVIII and Charles X. In a final act, he entrusted these firearm heirlooms to his confidant, Le Comte d’Espinchal, a court advisor who shaped pivotal moments in France’s history.
The story of Louis, Dauphin of France, is one of profound significance. As the father of three future kings, Dauphin Louis played a crucial role in shaping the Bourbon dynasty, which would later lead France through its most transformative years. Known for his deep piety and steadfast loyalty to traditional values, he held a firm belief in the serious responsibilities of kingship, principles that left a lasting mark on his heirs. In 1765 when he was just 36 and knew he was dying of tuberculosis, Dauphin Louis gifted these exquisite pistols to Le Comte d’Espinchal, his right-hand man, as a token of his loyalty and esteem. They would have been by far the most important and valuable treasures in Le Comte d’Espinchal’s possession. Over two centuries later these guns sold at Sotheby’s in 1992 for $65,295.55—a substantial sum for the time, underscoring their distinguished provenance.
Created by Jacques-Louis Arault, the most esteemed gunmaker of the mid-18th century, these pistols display his signature exceptional craftsmanship, reserved for royalty. The pommels are cast and chased in high relief with dolphin motifs—the symbol for the Dauphin, as "dauphin" translates to "dolphin" in French, an emblem associated with the crown prince. Their escutcheons are adorned with the Royal Arms of the Dauphin. Arault, the distinguished court gunmaker at Versailles, used his masterful skills to incorporate such intricate detailing, ensuring these pistols exemplified the height of 18th-century French artistry. The presentation inscription, dated 1765, honors Le Comte d’Espinchal, signifying his loyalty and esteemed service.
Signed "Arault A Versailles"
In case: 4 5/8" high x 20" wide x 2 1/4" deep
Provenance:
Private collection of Louis, Dauphin of France
Private collection of Le Comte d’Espinchal, France
Private collection, Mississippi
MSR, New Orleans