Pair of French Percussion Dueling Pistols, second quarter 19th century, signed LePage, Paris, with the original stocks and engraved tang, breechplug grip cap, triggerguard and lockplate, l. 14-1/2", presented in an associated brass-bound mahogany case, unfitted and lined in royal purple silk velvet, 2-1/2" x 16" x 9-3/4". Provenance: The Estate of Paul Emile Archinard, Murphy, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana. It is to be noted that Paul Emile Archinard's fifth great-grandfather, Francois Jean Archinard (1765-1836), had two nephews, sons of his half-brother Richmond Edmond Cuny (1769-1824), who served as surgeon and a supporter in the notorious "Sand Bar Duel" on September 19, 1827 between Samuel Levi Wells III (for whom the Cuny brothers were partisans) and Dr. Thomas Harris Maddox. The duelists deloped - both intentionally missing their target and shaking hands - but enmity among the partisans erupted into a free-for-all "battle with pistols, shot-guns, sword canes and knives, and when the smoke had cleared away thew were dead" - among them Archinard's nephew Samuel Cholett Cuny (1800-1827). For more information, see "A Log of Long Ago" in The Louisiana Genealogical Register, Vol. I, No. 3, January 1946, pp. 123-125, and James L. Batson James Bowie and the Sandbar Fight (Madison, Alabama: Batson Engineering, 1992).

In overall good, sturdy condition. Typical scattered scuffs to edges and minor surface wear consistent with age and use. Finished on both sides, but decorative elements along the seat rail are on three sides and the rosettes on the outswept arms only on one side. Both sides of the seat center are flanked by two short, rosette-topped fluted cylinders. The rosettes retain traces of the original parcel gilt. Upholstery generally good but with faded areas where exposed to sunlight in various rooms over time. The cushion and pillows down-filled. Upholstered seat with spring support. ***This piece is illustrated in Susan Sully's "New Orleans Style: Past and Present", pages 122-123.