A Rare French 28 Bore Rotating Three Barrelled Flintlock Fowling Piece by Jean-Baptiste Doyen circa late 17th / early 18th century

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Price: £15,000

Ref: 62080717

Item Description

A rare and attractive French revolving three barrelled gun dating to the early 18th century. This is not only a gun but also a beautiful example of early 18th century mechanical engineering skill by the gunmaker.

The maker, Jean-Baptiste Doyen (1666 to 1712), was a French Master Gunsmith (Maître Arquebusier) based in Nantes. He was one of the most highly regarded French gunsmiths of his time noted for his early craftsmanship of mechanically complex firearms, particularly in advanced flintlock mechanisms. Doyen worked at the height of the reign of Louis XIV when France was noted for its developments in the arts, science and philosophy.

Surviving works by Doyen are scarce and rarely come up for sale. One of his most famous surviving creations is a three barrel revolving flintlock pistol crafted between 1690 and 1710. This rare firearm is preserved and displayed in the permanent collection of the Musee d’Art et d’Industrie de Saint Etienne. The contemporary gun described here is in the same genre and equally as impressive but hitherto an unknown piece.

The three long round barrels are slightly tapering, secured at the breech in a cylinder and joined by four clover shaped iron bands which are also shaped to accommodate the ramrod. The barrels and cylinder are hand rotated revolving in an iron sleeve engraved with foliage. They lock in place at the breech and are released for rotation by a finger lever located in front of the trigger guard. The foliate engraved tang incorporates a portrait bust. The butt plate has a shaped spur on top and is densely engraved. The lock has an engraved rounded swan-neck cock and the lockplate tail is signed DOYEN inside a scrolled frame.  The sideplate on the offside is engraved with scroll work similar to that on the lockplate tail.

The figured stock is of walnut, with an openwork and engraved iron thumb piece depicting two opposing hounds with a classical bust of a robed man between. The wooden ramrod is mounted with an iron cap and a corkscrew worm.

Overall the gun is in fine condition and crisp working order. The barrel length is 46 inches (117 cm) and overall the gun is 62.5 inches (159 cm) long.