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The single set triggers are screw adjustable and enclosed by spurred trigger guards that include a serpent design on the bow. The designs on
the counter plates also include a phoenix like bird and another smaller bird, and the pommel caps are numbered “1” (A) and “2” (B). The stocks have beautiful raised relief carved baroque scroll patterns on much of the surfaces including a mask design with inlaid eyes on the bottom of the forends along with lovely inlaid carved pearl accents, fine silver wire border, panels of fine checkering on the wrists, and contrasting flared pommels. The beautifully figured hardwood case has engraved inlays of white metal, copper, brass, and silver on the lid forming borders, scroll designs, and a central plaque with a castle/ estate on a hill above a town. The red velvet lined interior holds loading and cleaning rods, a flat horn flask with German silver fittings, spare nipples, an oiler, an adjustable powder measure, an engraved conical bullet mold, and pair of screwdrivers with inlaid handles.
CONDITION: Excellent. The pistol remains in incredible condition with bright original gold, aged patina on some of the other metal accents, distinct Damascus patterns, crisp engraving
and sculpting, strong original case colors, and only minimal light age and handling related wear. The stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering and carving, nice figure, and minimal light marks. The lock needs some attention as it is slipping from full-cock; otherwise, the pistol is mechanically fine. The case is also very fine and has mild wear on the exterior such as some faint
cracks in the grain, some tears and compression marks on the inside of the lid, the upper case latch uninstalled but included, and some light marks. The accessories are also generally very fine, particularly the mold which remains bright and has crisp engraving. B) Morgenroth Percussion Pistol - NSN, 50 cal., 9 3/8 inch octagon bbl., gold/ silver/copper/brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Excellent. As with the first pistol, this pistol remains in incredible condition throughout and has bright original gold, attractive aged patinas on some of the other metal accents, distinct Damascus patterns, crisp engraving
and sculpting, strong original case colors, and very minimal overall wear mainly from age and handling including some small spots of oxidation. The stock has excellent crisp checkering and carving and some attractive figure, and is also very fine aside from a thin crack across the
top of the wrist between the plates and upper tang and occasional light handling type marks. Mechanically excellent. This is a remarkable pair of German percussion pistols clearly designed and embellished by an incredible group of artisans and no doubt highly prized and carefully guarded by each of it owners for more than a century
and a half. They would certainly have presented well at the 19th century’s famous international exhibitions and would fit excellently within any private fine arms collection or art museum. Provenance: The Robert M. Lee Collection. Estimate: 150,000 - 250,000