Rating and value of pistols, rifles and weapons by Nicolas Boutet at Versailles
Key takeaways
- Nicolas Boutet's firearms sell for between €260 and €331,760, depending on the model and condition.
- The Versailles arsenal, founded in 1793 under Boutet’s direction, closed in 1818 after employing more than 400 workers.
- Boutet flintlock pistols are particularly sought after by collectors worldwide for their rarity and historical value.
If you own a Nicolas Boutet gun, and would like to know its value, and if you don't know, the period and model of your gun, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your weapon, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on today's market. Thereafter, if you wish to sell your property, we will guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.
Rating and value of Boutet guns
Boutet guns are sought-after items by collectors. However, price differences can be considerable, depending on the model and state of preservation. Nowadays, prices for these objects can rise considerably under the auctioneer's hammer. Buyers from all over the world are interested in the sale of certain rare pieces. The price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €260 to €331,760, at the moment, a consequent gap but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to these weapons. The box that once belonged to Tolstoy, comprising two flintlock pistols made by Nicolas Boutet, sold for €120,000,while it was estimated at between €120,000 and €150,000.
Order of value ranging from a simple order to the most prestigious
Type of weapon | Result |
|---|---|
Flintlock shotgun by Boutet | From 650 to €60,000 |
Decorative saber by Boutet | From €260 to €240,000 |
Decoration gun by Boutet | From €1,000 to €331,760 |
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History of the Manufacture de Versailles
The Manufacture d'Armes de Versailles was created in 1793, to meet the growing need for firearms. Nicolas Noël Boutet was its director-artist, and it is mainly he who has left his mark on the history of the factory. The provisional legislative assembly appointed him, but the Consulate kept the same organization and management. Production at the Consultat took a different path. Created to produce weapons of war, Consul Bonaparte was to have Versailles produce arms of honor and decoration under his government. The factory employed over 400 workers and closed its doors in 1818, having failed to survive the fall of the Empire.
The success of Boutet flintlock pistols in collecting
Flintlock pistols are successful at auction because they are a sought-after collector's weapon. Production was very consistent, as it's a mechanism that was used for a long time and equipped many armies, however Boutet's remains exceptional and rare.
These weapons are sought after by many collectors around the world, and particularly in France. They are a poignant historical witness, demonstrating the talent and artistic precision invested in gunmaking at the time.
The more the model belonged to a famous and esteemed individual, the more the weapon's value can increase. This was the case with Tolstoy's pistols and the pistols of Emperor Napoleon I, sold for tens of millions of euros.
Reasons to sell a Boutet gun at auction
If you own a Boutet gun or a Versailles Manufacture gun, and you don't know how to sell it, auctions are one solution. Many collectors are looking for old models.
These objects are not just weapons, but historical objects that are part of the scientific and artistic evolution of ammunition design and decorative weapons.
Signature of weapons produced by Nicolas Boutet at Versailles
Guns produced by Nicolas Boutet at Versailles are signed by an engraving in the steel located on the lock of the weapon. The inscription reads " Boutet à Versailles ".
Knowing the value of a Boutet gun
If you happen to own a Boutet gun, from any period, and would like to know its value, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using our form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your piece, as well as all the relevant information about it. If you wish to sell your property, you will also be accompanied by our specialists in order to benefit from alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market inclinations.
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Frequently asked questions
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Who was Nicolas Boutet, and what role did he play in the history of French weapons?Nicolas Noël Boutet served as artistic director of the Versailles arms factory, founded in 1793. During Bonaparte’s Consulate, he oversaw the production of ceremonial weapons and prestigious decorative pieces, employing more than 400 workers until the factory closed in 1818. His name remains synonymous with high-quality craftsmanship and precision in the manufacture of French weapons from the early 19th century.
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What is the range of values for Nicolas Boutet's weapons, broken down by type of item?Prices vary considerably depending on the model and condition. Flintlock hunting rifles range from €650 to €60,000, decorative sabers from €260 to €240,000, and decorative pistols from €1,000 to €331,760. Notably, a famous set of two pistols that belonged to Tolstoy sold for €120,000. Historical provenance and condition are major factors influencing value.
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How can you authenticate a firearm by Nicolas Boutet and determine its exact value?Request a free, no-obligation estimate from Auctie's using our online form. A state-certified expert or auctioneer will contact you within 48 hours to examine your item, verify its authenticity by checking for the “Boutet à Versailles” signature engraved on the base, and provide you with an accurate estimate of its current market value.
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Is this a good time to sell a Boutet firearm at auction?Yes, this is a good time. Boutet firearms are highly sought after by collectors around the world, and auction prices regularly reach significant levels, particularly for rare models or those with a prestigious historical provenance. The international market supports steady demand for these exceptional pieces.
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How does the process of selling a Boutet firearm at Auctie's work?Auctie's guides you from the free appraisal to the auction. After providing a no-obligation appraisal, our experts recommend the best sales strategies based on current market trends. We manage the entire process to secure the best possible price for your item, taking into account current market expertise and collector interest.
