Input wanted

[jaxenro]

Found this set for sale online and was considering purchasing it. Supposed to be French, no makers marks or proofmarks (my thought was Belgian). What threw me was the nickel plating on the locks and barrels. I had never encountered this on a set of this type, any thoughts?

 

[Bob Riegl]

:bow: That certainly is a beautiful presentation "duelling" set. Are you positive that that's nickel plating and not a buffed steel barrel? It would be interesting to hear about the provenances that goes along with that set. I couldn't venture a guess at the maker unless the vendor can supply the necessary provenances. I would be careful however regarding any large investment as there are a lot "cheaters" out there---specially dealers of antique arms. Good luck on your "investment." :hatsoff:

 

[bwhoffman]

Wow! Nice!!
I would have to do a "touchy feely" before I laid any money on em though.

Brett

 

[biliff]

Not that I'm an expert, but they look like Mang pistols.

 

[Smokin6Gun]

Those are LePage Dueling Pistols .45 cal European Walnut stock. Brass furniture, Silver Plated. Engraved lockplate marked "Lepage". Barrel marked "Lepage a' Paris".
Found it listed in the 2005 Dixie catalog for $470.00...Armi Sport/Italy, Part Number PH0310, Check Dixie Gun Works Out "On Line"...a cased set would cost conciderably more.
Thought this would help.
SG

 

[jaxenro]

Looked at them, but the lock shape is different. I can't find anything exactly like these as repro's, nor does the rest of the set look like the normal cased sets they make today.

 

[Smokin6Gun]

You don't think this looks the same?
Maybe not...
Well good luck.

 

[jaxenro]

Check the "hump" in the lock plate where the hammer is attached. I have seen this on European styles guns, but not really on English.

 

[patch knife]

You are correct jaxenro , the locks are different . The pistols look similar but are not the same as the Lepage pistol pictured in Smokin Gun's post . I don't make any claims as to being an expert , and what I say is my opinion and that is all it is , I could be completely wrong , but something about the pistols , case , and accesories looks bogus , to me . The stuff doesn't look old . Looks like it may have been made last week :hmm: . I would want to examine it in person if I was going to buy it . Of course , this is only my opinion (and you know what they say about opinions) :winking: . I wish you the best with whatever you choose to do :hatsoff: .

 

[subknave]

Just my 2cents but it doesn't look like there is any patina on the brass of the flask or the hinges on the gun box. The key looks like a modern cast key not like any of the old keys I have seen which tend to be much plainer. From the picture it looks like a more recent repro but it is hard to say without a close hands on look.
Is it advertised as being antique?

 

[jaxenro]

It's advertised as being antique, but no provenence, no history, and the price seems low for the set if authentic. There's a three day inspection policy, but void if I remove the barrels to see if they say "black powder only" or have Spanish proofs underneath. I really like it, but it just "smelled" wrong to me.

I will add a few more pics below

 

[jaxenro]

 

[bwhoffman]

"There's a three day inspection policy, but void if I remove the barrels to see if they say "black powder only" or have Spanish proofs underneath. "

..an inspection with restrictions! ummm.
Run Forrest, Run!!![
obviously there is something to hide.
Caveat emptor comes to mind here

probly does not say "made in spain", but might have a makers name of Pak E Stan!

Something smells fishy, go with your gut instinct on this one.

Brett

 

[bavarialand]

i would say made in india, maybe china. work looks good but "rushed". not good enough quality for europe. don't think they are old either. just my 2 cents worth. Dave

 

[WRussell]

I'll chip in too. Definitely not high quality. Not original.

Forget 'em. If he fools someone I hope he gets burnt.

 

[renovato]

There's no signs of age anywhere, the wood, the brass, the case, the engravings. I'll echo the others on the quality too. Fit and finish just aren't there. They're repros. You say the price isn't bad if they're antique. How does the price compare to a modern set? Might be worth owning just cuz they're cool, if the price is right.

 

[patch knife]

Now that I've seen some closeup pics , IMO these pistols look like junk . Junk is not a bargin at any price . I'll bet there is a vacum molded plastic tray under the velvet in that case . This is just my opinion , but I'll bet every gun I own against a pea shooter that they are not antiques . BTW it looks like the snail and the nipple are all one piece :shocked2: .

 

[renovato]

Patch Knife, you have a good point. An unknown set like that should really be checked out in person. Sure is a pretty set at a distance. It has me curious about it's origins and quality.

 

[Smokin6Gun]

Here's a cased set of Real Lepage made by Lepage for sale.[url] http://seell.rutgers.edu/Pushkin_05/web-content/Images/lepage.htm[/url]

I found them for sale at taylors also, see below.[url] http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/products/bpKentuckyLepage.tpl[/url]

 

[jaxenro]

Thanks all for confirming my suspicions that these just didn't seem right.