Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have an 1854 Thomas of Paris exhibition shotgun that showcases French gunmaking at its peak – elaborate gold inlay work, Damascus barrels by Albert Bernard, and dual ignition capability for both percussion caps and pinfire cartridges. Thomas built this shotgun during the transition between percussion and self-contained cartridges. The dual ignition system let shooters use either technology – percussion caps when pinfire ammunition wasn’t available, or modern pinfire cartridges when it was. The conversion parts store in the stock compartment, making it a complete system.
The decoration is excessive in the best way. Gold scrollwork inhabited by dogs and birds covers the metalwork, with a leaping roebuck on the trigger guard and snake design on the lever. The Damascus barrels have gold inlays at the muzzles, breeches, and rib. Even the stock received extensive gold wire inlays with engraved foliate accents. Thomas held the title of gunmaker to the King of Sweden and Norway, marked inside the case lid: “THOMAS BREVETE/ARQ.R DE S,M, LE ROI DE SUEDE ET DE NORVEGE.” This shotgun was likely built for exhibition at the 1855 Exposition Universelle in Paris, following the famous 1851 Great Exhibition in London where European gunmakers competed to outdo each other.
The fitted takedown case contains loading and maintenance tools, showing this was meant as a complete presentation piece rather than just a wall hanger. Thomas was proving French gunmaking could match English and Belgian quality while adding distinctively French artistic flourishes. European gunmaking at its most decorative – functional art meant to impress wealthy sportsmen and exhibition judges alike.
Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!
“Dual Ignition Double Barrel Shotgun from Thomas of Paris.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4095/1266/dual-ignition-double-barrel-shotgun-from-thomas-of-paris. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Writer | TheFirearmBlog
Writer | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.
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