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LOT 1276
Stunning Relief Engraved, Gilded, and
Carved Germanic Flintlock Pistol - NSN,
45 cal., 9 5/8 inch round bbl., bright/gold
finish, walnut stock. The only visible marking on this c. mid-18th century
Germanic flintlock pistol is “A•ZELLA./S•BLASII” on the lock above the frizzen
spring. The maker’s name may have been on the second pistol of the pair.
The top of the smoothbore barrel, the lock, and the steel mounts all feature
beautifully detailed deep relief engraving with gilded backgrounds. The
engraving includes female figures, a boat scene on the side plate, and shell,
scroll, and foliate patterns in Rococo fashion. The barrel also features a silver
blade front sight, sighting flat, and a small groove rear sight on the tang. The stock features
beautiful raised relief foliate and scroll carving along with fine molding and drop flats and has
a dark horn cap. Included documents
from the Norman R. Blank Collection
indicate the pistol was purchased
from F. Theodore Dexter on
May 22, 1959.
CONDITION: Very fine with nearly all of the gold remaining in the
backgrounds, mostly silver-gray patina on the balance, some light oxidation
staining, and generally minor overall wear. The stock is fine and displays crisp
carving, a few slight cracks and chips, and fairly minor wear. Mechanically fine.
Overall a very attractive pistol.
Provenance: F. Theodore Dexter; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,500
LOT 1275
Engraved and Relief Carved Pair of Continental European Flintlock Holster
Pistols -A) Flintlock Holster Pistol - NSN, 65 cal., 11 1/2 inch round bbl., bright
finish, walnut stock. This attractive pair of fairly early 18th century Continental
European holster pistols features smoothbore barrels with rounded brass blade front
sights on sighting ribs, chiseled and engraved designs at the breech, and a series of
marks on the left including “C-S” in a sunken shield. A grooved rear sight is incorporated on each barrel’s
tang. The flat beveled locks have faceted, non-bridled pans and border and scroll engraving. Aside from
the bone forend caps, the furniture is brass and features a variety of foliate designs, masks, serpents, and
more. The stocks have attractive raised relief scroll carving and molding.
CONDITION: Good overall with gray patina and mild pitting on the
lock and barrel, replacement front ramrod ferrule, aged patina on the
brass furniture, generally distinct designs aside from the rubbed breech
section, distinct carving, some cracks and repairs in the stock, small chips,
and general mild overall wear. Mechanically fine.
B) Flintlock Holster Pistol - NSN, 65 cal., 11 1/2 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock.
CONDITION: Good overall with gray patina and mild pitting on the lock and barrel, aged patina on the
brass furniture, generally distinct designs aside from the faded decoration on the section, short tang
screw that does not reach the trigger plate, distinct carving, some cracks and repairs in the stock, small
chips, and general mild overall wear. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,500