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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BLUE
BOOK OF AIRGUNS, 13TH EDITION BY BEUNING, ADLER, GAYLORD, & BEEMAN
LOT 1221
Engraved and Relief Carved Early 18th Century German “Flintlock”
Concealed Grip Reservoir Air Pistol by Frantz-Heintz of Sternberg - NSN, 9.5 mm , 13 5/8
inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This is among the limited amount of high quality air pistols made during the early 18th century, serving as an advanced piece of technology
for the time. “FRANTZ HEINTZ” silver inlaid on the top flat of the barrel ahead of silver inlaid patterns on top of the breech
of the barrel, and the flat beveled iron lock is signed “FRANTZ-HEINTZ/IN STERNBERG” at the center, with a faux “flintlock”
goose neck cock. Frantz (also spelled Franz) Heintz was active out of Sternberg, Germany between circa 1690-1730. Although resembling a flintlock pistol of the time, this embellished well made air pistol has a concealed reservoir inside the grip, which
is able to be unscrewed and detached for refilling. “Wind guns” had several advantages over conventional firearms including
that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. They also required less cleaning since
they did not require corrosive black powder. The smoothbore barrel measures at approximately .38 caliber/9.5 mm, with German silver
blade front sight and scooped notch rear sight integral to the brass breech tang. High quality engraving throughout, including a scene of noblemen with a servant carrying their guns depicted on the tail of the lock, a clamshell on the wrist escutcheon, beautiful chased and engraved scenery of angels and animals on the left sideplate, and various patterns of floral and
border engraving. The well-figured walnut full stock (including the concealed air reservoir grip) has a brass tip, and high quality deeply cut floral relief carvings. The fittings are fine cast and chased brass. Includes a brass tipped wooden ramrod.
CONDITION: Very good, with bright surfaces on the iron with some scattered minor pitting, faded silver inlay, attractive golden bright patina on the brass fittings, and distinct engraving
overall. Stock and grip are also fine, with professionally repaired and spliced sections at the front of the forend, a few discreet repairs, some light handling marks, and defined relief carvings. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection.
Estimate: 6,500 - 11,000
LOT 1222
Documented Engraved 18th Century German “Flintlock”
Barrel Reservoir Air Pistol by Futter of
Dresden - NSN, 11 mm , 11 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Johann Joseph Futter
(1720-1779) was active as a gunmaker between circa 1754 until his death in 1779. He was among the few who produced high quality air pistols. The flat beveled step tailed iron lock is signed “FUTTER A DRESSDEN” with a goose neck cock. Though it looks like a large caliber flintlock pistol,
the smoothbore barrel measures at approximately .42 caliber/11 mm and is actually slightly smaller than the outer brass housing suggests. The outer housing
consists of an air reservoir which surrounds the barrel. A pump (not included) is able to be attached to charge the reservoir via a connection in the butt concealed under the pommel cap. The brass barrel reservoir has a blade front sight. “Wind guns” had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. They also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. Floral engraving on the upper tang, sideplates and lock. The well-figured
walnut full stock has a horn tip, relief carvings around the edges of the ramrod channel and trigger guard, relief carved teardrop flats and a sun behind the upper tang. The
fittings are fine cast and chased brass. Includes an iron ramrod. Circular brass collection tag marked “R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2910” hanging from the trigger guard.
This exact air pistol is pictured and described on page 177 of “Blue Book of Airguns, Thirteenth Edition”.
CONDITION: Very good with bright patina on the brass, some light wear and patches of light pitting on the lock, with mostly visible engraving. Stock is good with numerous
scattered scratches and dents, and a repaired and spliced section visible on the left of the lower tang. The hammer spring is weak and is not properly functioning.
Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
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