An 18th flintlock sporting gun is one of the more unusual lots at the Country House Collections auction by James Adam at Townley Hall, Drogheda, Co. Louth on October 11. It was made by a gunmaker who managed to keep his head in revolutionary France. Nicholas-Noel Boutet was a director of the Versailles Rifle Manufactory. He was son of the Royal Gunsmith and had the title Gunmaker in Ordinary to the King. But during the Revolution he worked for Napoleon at the State of Arms company.
The gun, which is estimated at 8,000-12,000 is single stage barrel. The sighting ridge is engraved with a sunburst with crown and numbered No.38. There is a carved walnut stock extending fully to the muzzle, with ebon ramrod. The silver mounts are hallmarked and engraved with foliage. There is a leather cheek piece at the butt. The catalogue for the sale, which is online, lists 647 lots.