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The locks have “MATHES FRERES BTES A PARIS.” in gold inlay under the hammers, sculpted and pierced leaf design on the hammers, and scroll engraving with
a lion mask and a griffin. The spurred trigger guards have pierced scrollwork, scroll engraving, gold inlaid borders, and “EXPOSITION/UNIVERSELLE/PARIS. 1878.” in gold inlay. The pommel caps have further scroll engraving with gold inlaid borders, lion masks, and sculpted floral finials. The stocks feature full- coverage relief floral scroll carving with interlacing patterns and bestial masks. The pair comes in an fitted case with the noted marking inside the lid, vibrant purple lining, loading and cleaning rods, a nipple wrench, screwdriver, turned containers, powder flask, small measure, double cavity ball mold, mallet, oiler, brushes, and a key.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with
only minor age and storage relate wear including some very minor oxidation. The stock is excellent and has crisp carving and minimal light handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. The case exterior has some separating cracks and chips, but the case interior and accessories are very fine and have only minor age and storage related wear like the pistols.
B) Mathes Freres Percussion Pistol - NSN, 11 mm cal., 9 3/4 inch fluted octagon bbl., blue/gold/grey finish, relief carved ebony stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with only minor age and storage relate wear including some isolated spots of very minor surface oxidation and a small piece of the tail of the hammer absent. The stock is excellent and has crisp carving, very light flakes at the edges of the lock, and minimal light handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. This is an incredible pair of pistols. Multiple talented artists clearly performed exceptionally on these steel and ebony canvases to create these outstanding works of art.
Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 35,000 - 55,000