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LOT 255
Very Rare Silver Mounted Pair of Flintlock Pistols with Distinctive Halbach American Patriotic Pattern Pommel Caps
-A) Silver Mounted Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 67 cal., 8 1/8 inch round bbl., bright/silver finish, walnut stock. This very rare pair of
flintlock pistols are part of a small group of related pistols attributed to Halbach & Son/Sons (marked on at least some of the pistols’
locks). This pair is one of only two pairs reported. The
distinctive pommel caps show an eagle and shield motif
along with thirteen stars based on the Great Seal of
the United States and are the main characteristic that
connects the Halbach pistols together. One of the pistols
in this pair is missing one star. Given the Halbach family
were Prussian and selling primarily imported goods,
most of their pistols naturally have a Continental European style. Unlike most of the surviving Halbach pistols,
however, this is a pair and has very attractive silver furniture of a more English fashion, and the caps each have an “A-H”
mark, attributed to Arnold Halbach, and no other visible hallmarks. The trigger guards feature acorn finials. The side plates
have pierced floral patterns, and the wrist escutcheons have shell and floral patterns. The brass barrels have no visible
markings and have sighting flats and some light scroll engraving that continues on to the iron tangs. There is raised relief
shell patterns by the barrel tangs. The locks
are marked “COBLE” towards the center. For
a more typical brass mounted example, see
the pistol the National Museum of American
History’s collection (Accession Number:
1987.0014). These Halbach pistols have been
listed as dating anywhere from the 1780s to 1840s
in the past. Though this particular pair has the look of a pair
from the 18th century, they likely date closer to 1810-1820s.
Arnold Halbach (1787-1869), son of German steel maker
Johann Arnold Halbach, founded a branch of the family’s
steel business in the U.S. in 1810. The steel business
near Remscheid, Germany, had been formed by his
grandfather Johann and great uncle Caspar
in the 18th century and operated as
Johan and Caspar Halbach
& Son.
Period records show Arnold Halbach was also
active as a merchant in Philadelphia dealing
in German metal goods, including firearms,
and then partnered with his brother George
in 1826. The “Halbach Brothers” advertised
a variety of “German Goods,” including
“horsemen’s pistols” and other firearms as well
as components in the 1820s. Arnold Halbach
served as Prussian Consul and Consul for the Free City of Frankfort in Philadelphia in 1828-1838 and
then returned to German shortly thereafter. There was also a Charles Halbach active in Baltimore, Maryland,
c. 1830s-1870s as a cutler and hardware dealer that has sometimes been listed as the maker/importer of
these with an earlier date listed. A file of research material on Halbach is included.
CONDITION: Good with aged patina on the barrel, mostly bright lock with some gray and brown patina
and mild pitting, attractive aged patina on the silver furniture, a silver band repair on the trigger guard
tang, distinct designs, and mild overall wear. The stock is fair and has several cracks, repairs, filler, and
chips. Mechanically needs work (trigger/sear engagement).
B) Silver Mounted Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 67 cal., 8 inch round bbl., bright/silver finish, walnut
stock. As described in “A”.
CONDITION: Good with attractive aged patina on the silver mounts and brass barrel, mostly bright
lock with some mild oxidation and pitting, and mild overall wear including some small chips and
dents in the silver. The stock is fair and has some small cracks and repaired chips, crisp carving, and
mild overall wear. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The William Dykes Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 9,500 - 15,000
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