A gun once owned by King Louis XIII and signed by the craftsman who made it is up for auction for £330,000 ($425,000).
The 400-year-old gold and silver ornamental wheellock rifle was part of the French king’s armoury.
The lock – signed “F.P.” – is attributed to the renowned Parisian gunmaker Francois Poumerol, who frequently crafted firearms for King Louis XIII.
READ MORE: Old plastic peas bag – with price in shillings – at least 53 years old found on beach
- Advertisement -
It features a smoothbore, highly decorated barrel with intricate detailing and a bright, hardwood finish as reported by What’s The Jam.
Kevin Hogan, the president of Rock Island Auction Company who is selling the piece, said: “We’ve had phenomenal opportunities to handle the finest collections and incredibly significant individual pieces, but this is in a class of its own. It is absolutely captivating.
“In firearms terms, this is from antiquity.
![A 400-year-old gold and silver rifle, once owned by King Louis XIII and made by renowned gunmaker Francois Poumerol, is up for auction at £330,000 ($425,000).](https://whatsthejam.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gun-fit-for-a-king-Louis-XIIIs-ornate-weapon-on-auction-for-425000.jpg)
“It is from the same era as the King James Bible and Rembrandt and has somehow avoided residence in a world-class museum.
“It’s an extraordinary opportunity for what we believe to be the finest long arm in private circulation.”
- Advertisement -
![A 400-year-old gold and silver rifle, once owned by King Louis XIII and made by renowned gunmaker Francois Poumerol, is up for auction at £330,000 ($425,000).](https://whatsthejam.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gun-fit-for-a-king-Louis-XIIIs-ornate-weapon-on-auction-for-425000-4.jpg)
King Louis Xlll’s has been called “the first real European gun collector,” by London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, and his Cabinet d’Armes is one of history’s most significant collections.
![A 400-year-old gold and silver rifle, once owned by King Louis XIII and made by renowned gunmaker Francois Poumerol, is up for auction at £330,000 ($425,000).](https://whatsthejam.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gun-fit-for-a-king-Louis-XIIIs-ornate-weapon-on-auction-for-425000-3.jpg)
This pistol is a prime illustration of the artistry and technological advancements of the period, reflecting his royal patronage and has a pre-auction estimate of £194,000 ($250,000) to £330,000 ($425,000).
![A 400-year-old gold and silver rifle, once owned by King Louis XIII and made by renowned gunmaker Francois Poumerol, is up for auction at £330,000 ($425,000).](https://whatsthejam.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gun-fit-for-a-king-Louis-XIIIs-ornate-weapon-on-auction-for-425000-2-1024x725.png)
The sale will run in Bedford, Texas, from Friday 23 August through to Sunday 24 August, with bidding online, in-person and by telephone.
- Advertisement -
READ MORE: Whacky woman targets seagulls with mobility scooter