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The sides of the wrist have inlaid “stirrups” with floral carving, and
the pommel is an extraordinary carved bust of a mounted soldier
or officer with a thick mustache, curly hair, partially agape mouth
with detailed teeth, masks on the armor on his shoulders, additional
masks on the roundels of the chin straps, double headed reichsadlers on
the sides appropriate for the various components of the Holy Roman Empire,
and feathers along the crest. The smoothbore, cannon style barrel has bands at the
muzzle and mid-section, ribbed breech section, and no sights. The lock has extensive floral scroll engraving. The ramrod tip, single ramrod ferrule, and trigger guard are iron.
CONDITION: Fine with mottled gray patina and mild pitting on the metal. The right forend panel is an expertly executed replacement as noted in the prior catalog listing and has only subtle differences in carving and coloration and some slight fill towards the lock end. The rest of the stock is fine and retains beautiful carving and details, some faint signs of small repairs, scattered small insect holes, a few faint cracks, excellent details and natural tones and patina on the antique ivory inlays and pommel, and mild overall wear. Mechanically fine. This is an incredibly rare and stunning 17th century flintlock pistol with absolutely exceptional carving throughout.
Provenance: Christie’s London, 15 Dec. 2022, Lot 163; The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr.
Estimate: 20,000 - 35,000