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LOT 3314
Highly Ornate Damascened and Engraved Wheellock Pistol -
NSN, 40 cal., 25 1/2 inch part octagon bbl., gold/blue finish, wood stock.
This ornate c. 1580 North German pistol is being de-accessioned from
the famous George F. Harding Jr. Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago
(reference #: 1982.2933). Mr. Harding purchased this pistol from George
L. Maxwell’s collection sold at The Anderson Galleries in 1928. The stock
features engraved staghorn and bone overlays with classical figures,
hunting scenes, dogs, game animals, and border designs drawn from
period prints, including prints by Virgil Solis (1514-1562) of Nuremberg.
The fishtail butt has a hole. The pistol was further embellished in the late
19th century with gold Damascening on the barrel and on the replacement
16th century lock, lock screws, and trigger guard. This embellishment may
be from the workshop of Frederic Spitzer. The vent on the barrel is covered
by the lock. “H-L 1979” is marked on the trigger beneath the lockplate
indicating a replacement by Harold Lutiger, the curator of the Harding
Collection for nearly thirty years.
CONDITION: Very good with nearly all of the bright gold damascene
designs remaining, mostly dark patina on the balance of the metal,
generally distinct carving on the stock overlays, a few pieces replaced, a
loose rear stem of the trigger guard, and mild overall wear. Lock not tested.
Provenance: The George L. Maxwell Collection;
The George F. Harding Jr. Collection; The Art Institute of Chicago.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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