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LOT 244
Unique and Exceptional Cased Pair of Elaborately Engraved Rifled Large Caliber Underlever Double Barrel Howdah Pistols with Shared Detachable Shoulder Stock by F. Reuss -A) F. Reuss “Howdah Pistol”
- NSN, 20 bore cal., 8 5/8 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/gold finish, walnut stock. Ferdinand Reuss is identified as establishing
his business in Mehlis in 1861, and these extraordinary pistols were manufactured c. 1880 and are chambered for a short approximately
20 bore/16.8 mm centerfire cartridge firing an approximately 16.8 by 16.8 mm two groove
bullet based on the included mold. They feature classic Germanic scroll engraving inhabited by various bestial, mythological, and human masks and floral accents. The patterns are very similar but slightly varied between the two pistols and are masterful examples of the talented German arms engravers of the 19th century. The barrels are rifled and have solid ribs with checkerboard and dot patterns, blade front sights, and two flat folding notch rear sights. The left barrels have
“F. REUSS IN MEHLIS” in gold inlay, and the right barrels have “BESTELLT v. NICOLAS DE HARDINN” (Ordered by Nicolas de Hardinn) in gold inlay. The breech ends have bands of engraving. The pistols have no serial numbers but are marked “1” and “2” respectively on the ribs and standing breeches. They have adjustable set triggers for each barrel. The forearms and stocks are checkered, and there are keyed plates in the back of the wrists for mounting the included shared shoulder stock.
The stock has beautiful figure, checkering with carved borders, and an engraved buttplate. The set comes in an oak case with green baize lining, an empty cartridge block, reloading tools (one marked “CAL 20”), and a Reuss inscribed plaque. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 85% plus of the original plum brown finish on the barrels, bright gold inlay, smooth gray on the balance, crisp engraving, and minor age and storage related wear. The forearm and pistol stock are also very fine and have crisp checkering and mild handling and storage wear. Mechanically excellent. The shoulder stock is also very fine and has stunning figure, crisp checkering, minor dings and scratches, and gray patina and crisp engraving on the buttplate. The case and other accessories are very good with some minor
age and storage related wear including some slight oxidation on the mold and minor cracks
in the lid. B) F. Reuss “Howdah Pistol” - NSN, 20 bore cal., 8 5/8 inch solid rib bbl., brown/ casehardened/gold finish, walnut stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 85% plus of the original plum brown finish on the barrels, bright gold inlay, smooth gray on the balance, crisp engraving, and mostly only minor age and storage related wear aside from part of the right firing pin which is broken. The forearm and stock are very fine and have crisp checkering, a few minor dings, and a few handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent
Estimate: 22,500 - 35,000
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