Pair of Gastinne Renette Breechloading Dueling or Target Pistols

[CptCurl]

Pair of Gastinne Renette Breechloading Dueling or Target Pistols


I've been on a little buying spree the past couple of months. One result is the acquisition of this magnificent pair of Gastinne Renette pistols.

These were made in 1889 and chambered for the .44 S&W Russian cartridge. They were intended primarily to shoot a round ball over a light charge of black powder.

This is an exquisite time capsule from the foremost Parisian maker. I am fortunate to be the current caretaker.

Curly

 

[LostintheOzone]

Interesting breech loader design. Very similar to the side lever shotguns of the period. The ones I'm familiar with are British.

 

[desi2358]

Those are a truly gorgeous pair of pistols!

 

[StrawHat]

So, when is the range report?

Kevin

 

[Walter Rego]

Wow ! You had me confused when you said they were chambered for the .44 Russian cartridge until I saw the photos of the tip up barrels. Another outstanding example of gunmakers art.

 

[A10]

Wow. That engraving is just amazing!

 

[Rpg]

Wow ! You had me confused when you said they were chambered for the .44 Russian cartridge until I saw the photos of the tip up barrels. Another outstanding example of gunmakers art.

I'm still confused since your photos seem to show a percussion cap under the hammer.

How do you use an external percussion cap for a 44 S&W cartridge?

Beautiful guns!

 

[LostintheOzone]

I'm still confused since your photos seem to show a percussion cap under the hammer.

How do you use an external percussion cap for a 44 S&W cartridge?

Beautiful guns!

I think that's a firing pin, not a cap. Many of those old hammer guns, and some new ones, are using cartridges. They were designed with firing pins. I'm not up to speed on the design but here is video about the firing pins in a hammer gun.

Old Hammer Shotgun replace fireing pin and spring - YouTube

 

[red9]

Two beautiful sets. I am a big fan of .44Russian target handguns, both European single shots and Smith and Colt revolvers. I have bid on but unfortunately not won several cased sets and singles in that caliber. It was apparently a very popular target caliber in Europe with standard loads outdoors and gallery ball or wax bullet indoors.
I have two, a Belgian copy of a Stevens Lord and a French Galand with an unusual sliding barrel. Galand is known for their early cartridge revolvers, where the barrel slid forward on the cylinder axle for reloading.

Bob

 

[CptCurl]

Thanks for the interest and the kind comments on these pistols!

Curly