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LOT 291
Rare Engraved Superposed Load Flintlock Pistol - Serial no. 37, 45 cal., 9 7/8
inch part octagon bbl., bright finish. Superposed loads involve loading powder, a projectile, then powder, and another projectile. The projectile between the two powder charges must be tightly fit as it serves as a gas seal to prevent both charges from going off at once, possibly
NOTICE THE TWO PANS, WHICH ALLOW FOR THE SUPERPOSED LOADS TO BE FIRED.
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Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr.
Estimate: 6,500 - 11,000
NOTICE THE GRIP CAP OPENS, REVEALING TWO MAGAZINES.
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leading to a failure of the gun. Though multiple gunmakers attempted to make viable superposed load firearms hrough the centuries, they never became widely used. This rare example likely dates to the first half of the 18th century. It has no identifying markings aside from “37” on the front of the trigger guard, but it is very Brescian in style. The very interestingly shaped barrel has eight-groove rifling. Rifling was rare in firearms in the period in general, especially in pistols. The octagonal section near the breech end makes is easier to unscrew, and there is a small latch that helps secure the barrel on the bottom of the breech section of the action. After firing the first shot, the upper pan can be pulled back. Doing so pushes the lower pan forward readying it to shoot. The back action lock has a round teat, scroll and floral engraving, a squirrel inhabiting on of the scrolls, and a nicely sculpted cock. The remaining metal components are also floral and scroll engraved, and there is a man with a “Van Dyke beard” on the breech section and trigger guard bow. CONDITION: Fine with mostly gray patina, some light oxidation and pitting, distinct engraving, and mild overall wear. The stock is very good and has some minor wear and repairs around the lock and breech, general dings and scratches, and smooth finish. Mechanically fine. This is a very interesting and extremely rare flintlock pistol.
LOT 292
Exceptionally Rare Francesco Berselli Lever Action Repeating Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 44 cal., 11 inch part octagon bbl.,
bright finish, walnut stock. This design has been alternatively credited to both Michele Lorenzoni and Giacomo Berselli who were active in Italy in the last quarter of the 17th century and early 18th century. Lorenzoni has generally been given the credit and appears to have produced most
of the early examples. While complex and expensive to manufacture, the design made it possible to fire up to ten shots before reloading the pistol. On this example by Francesco Berselli c. 1680-1700, the powder and ball magazines are accessed by pressing the small button on the right side of the pommel cap. The cap then opens
revealing the two magazines within which are sealed with a pair of corks. There is also a hinged compartment behind the pan. With the magazines loaded, the pistol is operated by aiming the muzzle down and then cranking the lever on the left forward and then back. This rotates the brass drum, placing the ball and powder into the
chamber and also primes and closes the pan and cocks the lock when the lever is brought rearward. The pistol has a multi-stage barrel with a band mounted post front sight, and a dished rear sight is on the action above the brass drum. The back action lock is signed “Fran Berselli,” and the lock and action have some floral scroll engraving. The spring on the left incorporates a mask. The trigger is offset to the right. The frizzen has a grooved face. The stock is highly figured.
CONDITION: Very good with a mix of gray and light brown patina, mild pitting, aged patina on the drum, and general mild overall wear. The refinished and repaired stock has several splices, filled spots, and some cracks and chips. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500