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LOT 3262
Scarce Pair of German Military Wheellock Officer’s Holster Pistols
-A) Wheellock Holster Pistol - NSN, 24 bore cal., 15 1/2 inch round bottom/semi-octagonal bbl., bright finish, hardwood stock. Similar pistols have been identified as German dating from c. 1620-1650. Wheellock pistols were used by the Germanic armies during the Thirty Years’ War mainly by the reiters and other forms of cavalry which employed them in various tactical maneuvers. Similar pistols were used extensively in the English Civil War and would have been present in North American settlements and towns. The smoothbore barrels have Suhl marks on the left, an unclear mark on the top of “A” and an “EK” mark on the top of “B.” The flat bevelled locks have no visible markings and exposed wheels. The stocks, possibly beech, have the classic “fishtail” shape and iron furniture. The vendor informs us that this pair of pistols were exhibited in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.
CONDITION: Fine with mostly silver gray patina and some faint pitting. The stock is very good and has some mild scratches and dings, thin cracks, and general moderate wear. Lock not test. B) Wheellock Holster Pistol - NSN, 24 bore cal., 15 5/8 inch round bottom/semi-octagonal bbl., bright finish, hardwood stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with silver-gray patina and some mild pitting. The stock is fair with some fit issues and chipping around the lock mortise, cracks mainly in the forend, and moderate wear. Lock not tested.
Estimate: 7,000 - 11,000
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