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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK THE VISSER COLLECTION, VOL. I, PART 4
LOT 3267
Documented Early 17th Century 38-Bore Wheellock Holster
Pistol with Extensive Pearl Stock Inlays From the Famous Henk
L. Visser Collection - NSN, 38 Bore cal., 16 1/2 inch octagon bbl., bright
finish, hardwood stock. This early 17th century wheellock pistol is featured
in “The Visser Collection” Vol. 1, Part 4 on pages 396 and 397. It is believed to be
Dutch based on the inlays and style of the lock. The smoothbore, tapered, octagonal
barrel has molding at the breech end and has a mark on the underside at the breech (see “Der Neue Stockel” 4895). The lock has bevelled borders, a rounded convex tail, an exposed wheel with a rear bracket, manual pan cover, and some small incised accents. The fruitwood stock has extensive inlays of silver and brass wire in entwining scroll patterns with tiny leaves and pearl panels in the shape of floral blooms, birds, martial trophies, and masks. The “fish tail” butt has an engraved silver band, and the pommel has end has a later brass coronet with silver and coral accents. The iron trigger guard encloses a single trigger with external spring. The brass forend cap, ramrod pipe, and ramrod are later. “1072” is marked on the trigger guard.
CONDITION: Fine with silver gray patina and some faint pitting on the iron, aged patina on the replacement brass components, aged patina on the silver, a few professionally replaced inlays and repaired cracks, and general mild overall wear. Lock not tested.
Provenance: The H.L. Visser Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 11,000 - 16,000
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