Nicolas-Noël Boutet (1761-1833) was involved in the arms factories at Versailles from their creation by decree in 1792. He was already a noted maker of armes de luxe having been court gunmaker to King Louis XVI, a position inherited from his father-in-law, and took the role of Directeur Artiste at Versailles. He was granted overall control of the Manufacture de Versailles in 1800 by Napoleon Bonaparte, and held that position until 1818 when the factories closed. He was joined by his son Pierre-Nicolas in 1804 - the signature on the arms changing from 'Boutet Directeur Artiste' to 'Boutet et Fils à Versailles'. Between 1818 and 1831 Boutet traded in Paris at 87 rue de Richelieu. He died in poverty in 1833, his career having survived six French political regimes