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LOT 3333
Pair of Ornately Chiseled, Engraved, and Carved Snaphaunce Belt Pistols -A) Snaphaunce Belt Pistol - NSN, 48 cal., 8 7/8 inch part octagon bbl., bright
finish, walnut stock. Though unmarked, this pair of pistols likely comes from Brescia in Northern Italy in the early 18th century. The snaphaunce/snaphance is
one of the earlier forms of flint and steel ignition and was introduced in the mid 16th century and remained in use in Northern Italy into the mid 18th century
giving it a particularly long period of use. This lock style has a separate priming pan cover that automatically opens when the cock moves forward, and the cock does not have a half-cock
notch. The distinctive locks have scroll and mask engraving and chiseling. The smoothbore, two-stage barrels have slightly light engraving and girdled transition points. Belt hooks are fitted via the rear lock
screws on the left side of the pistols, and the mounts are engraved and chiseled steel with foliate designs, scrollwork, masks, and busts. The stocks have foliate carving.
CONDITION: Fine with mostly bright polished metal with some light patina and pitting, distinct engraving and chiseling, and mild wear. The refinished stock is good and has mostly distinct carving, a repaired
forend, and mild wear. Mechanically functions. B) Snaphaunce Belt Pistol - NSN, 48 cal., 8 7/8 inch part octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. As described in “A.”
CONDITION: Very good with mostly bright polished metal with some light patination and pitting, distinct engraving and chiseling, and general mild wear. The refinished stock is good and has some repairs in the forend,
distinct carving, and mild wear. Mechanically functions.
Estimate: 7,000 - 12,000
LOT 3331
Ornate Wheellock Belt Pistol with Panel Scene Engraved Lock and Extensive
Engraved Stock Inlays and Spanner - NSN, 38 cal., 5 5/8 inch part octagon. bbl., bright
finish, hardwood stock. The barrel of this “puffer” pistol bears the “P[crowned serpent]
D” maker’s mark of Peter Danner. Danner (also listed as Dauer or Daner) was active in
Nuremberg in the late 16th century, but this pistol is a more recent work of very high
quality. The barrel is smoothbore and has a slightly flared muzzle, border engraving along the
sides, octagonal breech section with foliate engraving, and a sharp 90 degree tang with further
foliate engraving. The flat lock features a bestial masks designs on the dog and pan cover, double dolphin design on the brass
wheel cover, and a highly detailed boar hunting scene. The stock features extensive staghorn and ivory inlays engraved with
varying Renaissance era designs including dogs, masks, a scene of an Ottoman rider fighting lions, and various floral motifs.
The wooden ramrod has a coordinating engraved tip. The ball pommel features golden straps with foliate patterns, roundels
with masks, and a lion mask stud. A combination screwdriver and spanner is included with finely engraved foliate designs and
a mask.
CONDITION: Fine overall as professionally assembled with some original antique metal components and the balance
contemporary with gray and brown patina on the iron, crisp engraving on the metal and inlays, and fairly minimal age
and storage related wear. Lock not tested. A highly attractive wheellock pistol!
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000
LOT 3332
Engraved and Chiseled Italian Snaphaunce Belt
Pistol - NSN, 50 cal., 12 1/2 inch octagon bbl., bright
finish, walnut stock. This ornate mid-17th century pistol likely comes from Brescia in Northern Italy and
features an interesting example of the snaphaunce/snaphance lock design that remained popular in Italy into the 18th century. This one has a boar’s head mask
design at the tail of the lock and on the cock stop along with foliate engraving, masks, chiseled patterns, and pierced accents including a star design on the forend and
pommel. The octagonal barrel is smoothbore. The stock has an octagonal wrist and has marks from a now absent belt hook. Replacement ramrod.
CONDITION: Very good overall with gray and brown patina, oxidation/pitting, some chips and repairs in the stock, and general moderate wear. Mechanically functions.
Estimate: 3,750 - 5,500
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