Napoleonic Sphinxes: A Magnificent Boutet Carved Pistol Set
This video showcases a magnificent pair of Napoleonic-era pocket pistols crafted by Nicolaus-Noël Boutet, the "directeur-artiste" of the Manufacture d’Armes de Versailles. Made around 1803 as flintlocks and later converted to percussion, these pistols are notable for their exquisite craftsmanship, featuring woodwork and metal engraving with classical motifs, particularly four large sphinxes, inspired by Napoleon's Egyptian campaign. The description highlights their potential use as awards, diplomatic presentation pieces, or for commercial sale, underscoring Boutet's status as a premier gunsmith artist.












