Pommel rifle for hunting
Generally speaking, the harquebusiers of the 19th century were more attached to the quality of the mechanisms than to the finesse of the decorations. However, the splendor of the First Empire also extended to firearms. Nicolas-Noël Boutet, director of the Manufacture nationale of Versailles, produced ceremonial weapons richly decorated with gold, silver and vermeil inlays.
This pommel rifle is probably one of the most precious weapons in the world. On the lock stands out a finely engraved inscription, "Given by H.M. the Emperor and King to Major General and Count Rapp", which testifies to the political character of this weapon: it was customary at the time to offer weapons as a reward for deserving officers or as a diplomatic gift for foreign heads of state.
