DescriptionThis smoothbore hunting gun is one of the earliest firearms equipped with a flintlock of French construction. It was made for Louis XIII of France (r. 1610–43) in the workshop directed by Pierre Le Bourgeois's brother Marin (ca. 1550–1634), to whom the invention of the flintlock mechanism is traditionally ascribed. The decoration of the gun includes the crowned monogram of the king.

Signatures, Inscriptions, and MarkingsMarks: Mark stamped on top of barrel near breech, a crossbow between letters PB, is attributed to Pierre le Bourgeoys of Lisieux (d. 1627), brother of Marin (d. 1634) and Jean (d.1615) le Bourgeoys, both also arquebusiers in Lisieux.

ProvenanceEx coll.: Cabinet d'Armes of Louis XIII; Hermitage Museum, Leningrad?; William G. Renwick