Boutet stamp
silversmith

Numbering on weapons signed by
Boutet, Directeur Artiste Versailles

Many arms signed by Boutet have numbers on them, but far from all.
Nobody has so far found an explanation to the reason or system in this numbering.
 
 What seems clear to me is that these numbers are not serial numbers as found on modern weapons, Boutets system of numbering must have had other purposes. That is what I hope find out.
I have for some time compiled a list with description of Boutet weapons with numbers, and invite collectors or museums who has numbered Boutet weapons to get in contact with me on Boutet @ ArmHis.com
Disassembling of weapons to look for hidden numbers when carefully done will be a useful check on status of hidden parts, and stop possible corrosion and degradation of a cultural heritage.
Anybody contributing to updating of the list will receive a pdf-copy of the list, and later updates.
Owners of numbered weapons will remain anonymous.


The double barreled sporting gun signed Boutet directeur Artiste on the barrel and pictured here is numbered "97"
and has that number stamped or engraved in many places as will be shown further on.

Precise dating of this gun is unknown, but it is similar to a double barrel sporting gun pictured and described on page 57 in the 1906-book by Capitaine Bottet. The gun is there pictured on plate XXXVIII on the last page of the book, and decribed on page 57 as a double barreled steel mounted sporting gun, offered by the "Directoire" to the "Directeur Reubell". There is however no mentioning in the book of a number on that gun.
  
 
               Some data on the gun itself: Length overall ?? cm, calibre 15mm, length of barrel ?? cm, and weight 1,5kg. Nice wood carvings and steel mounted. A thump plate in gold without engraving.
As can be seen in the following pictures the number of different hidden  "97" is found on this gun is unusual.
/cpsess6640789970/frontend/jupiter/filemanager/editors/./Boutet/BOUTET_nbr/Boutet_97_bretelle_w200x169 The only place where "97" is visible on the outside of the assembled gun is on the sling swivel as seen om the left. All the other places where "97" have been entered needs disassembly of the gun. 
The number "97" is stamped inside both locks. On the visible outside the lockplates are engraved "Manufacture" on the right lock, and "Versailles" on the left lock in sweeping italic letters as found on many other Boutet weapons.
 

Pipsum lorum.

Please mail comments to flint @ armhis.com

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