An extraordinary double barreled flintlock gun by Fatou dating: 1812 provenance: France Round, smooth, juxtaposed, twisted, finished, 16 mm cal. barrels, high rib, steel-coloured base with gold decorations followed by the finished part and signature 'Fatou Arquebusier a Paris' among gold floral motifs, nozzle, fore-sight en suite with gold. Sighted tang decorated with floral motifs in gold. Beautiful flintlock majestically carved with floral motifs on a gilt background in bas relief, hammers and batteries decorated in the same manner, springs signed and dated 'FATOU 1812 A PARIS'. Wooden, half stock with checkered palm-rest and grip, the part under the butt carved with boar's head, the side with rosettes. Extraordinary steel mounts majestically carved with trophies, vases, cornucopias and floral motifs in high and bas relief on a gilt background. Horn-tipped wooden ramrod and iron cartridge extractor.Two iron buckles for a belt. For Fatou see 'Der Neue Stöckel,' vol. I, p. 360. In 1796 the famous Arquebusier and Fourbisseur signed the petition of the gunsmiths of Paris against the Manufacture of Versailles. Fatou is documented in the Stöckel from 1796 to 1805, this rifle is proof that he worked at least until 1812. His works do not fear comparison with the works of the best gunsmiths of his time. length 117.5 cm.