This cased pair was previously on loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art from the Dr. Gerald Klaz collection and listed as by Louis-Julien Gastinne-Renette c. 1855 (L.1991.70.5) and as displayed in the then newly renovated Arms & Armor Galleries staring in October of 1991. They were originally on display at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1855.

Additional notes from the MET provide insight into the historic nature of this set: it was crafted specifically for Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria. He was also the president of the German Confederation and "This pair of pistols, otherwise unrecorded, is mentioned in a report by gunmaker Anton Lebeda on the firearms exhibited in Paris. Gastinne-Renette apparently displayed several arms made for the Emperor, including this pair, which is mentioned as having grape-leaf decoration on the box. The imperial crown on the lid, with initials KH (Kaiserliche Hoheit = Imperial Highness), confirms this identification." These pistols are in the general style of those popular in France and Belgium in the 1840s-1850s and some of the incredibly elaborate pistols displayed at the French and international exhibitions of the 19th century.

The sculpting and engraving on the metal and the relief carving of the stocks consist primarily of highly detailed branches, grapes, and grape leaves, an interesting departure from the more common patterns seen on pistols from the region in this era. Several components feature pieced designs that give the leaves added dimension, and the barrel has attractive ribs extending between the branches. The barrels also have dovetailed post front sights, and the upper tangs have key adjustable notch rear sights. The pair have no visible maker's markings. The only markings found are Liege provisional proofs and "11.6" concealed on the bottom of the barrels. The case has coordinating carving and a crown over "KH" at the center and contains a suite of loading and maintenance tools that are also very finely engraved, sculpted, and carved in coordination with the pistols. For example, the case and sight keys and the mainspring vice turn screw have pierced leaf and grape designs, and the French gray metal on the accessories is likewise engraved with leaves, grapes, and branches. The ebony components are carved with coordinating floral grape leaf and floral patterns.

For centuries, firearms have been intimately involved in the fine art community. They provided a canvas for sculpture, engraving, carving, and aesthetics only limited by man's imagination. Shown here are art objects from two prominent firms whose imaginations showed no such limitations. All were featured in various countries' world fairs in the 19th century and many have been on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Music, sculpture, poetry, paint... firearms. Do you feel they should be included in such company?