Page 186 - 4096-FLIPBOOK3

LOT 3269
Pair of Rare Danish Military Loebnitz Patent Model 1841 Breech Loading Underhammer
Percussion Pistols -A) Loebnitz Pistol - Serial no. B264, 66 cal., 8 5/8 inch octagon bbl., bright
finish, hardwood grips. The advanced breech loading system used in these rare pistols was
patented by Nicolaj Johan Loebnitz of Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1833, with the underhammer system patented in 1841, and operates using a
lever mounted on the right of the receiver for unlocking of the barrel from the fixed gas sealing breech block, which allows the barrel to tip upwards for loading
access. The underhammer cocks using the pointer finger, and the cleverly designed mainspring and trigger are one with a sear notch. Not to be confused
with the visually similar Norwegian military Kammerlader rifles attributed as the invention of Frederick W. Scheel and made around the same time, the Loebnitz
breech system operates differently. Both pistols have fixed blade front sights and “v” notch rear sights, octagon barrels with 6-groove rifling (caliber is estimated at
around .66) and smooth hardwood grips. This “A” gun in the lot is marked “M-1841/B-1842-264” on the left of the action, with royal cyphers of Danish King Christian VIII
(reigned 1839-1848), the matching serial number marked on various components, and “219” stamped
in the left of the grip. This pair of pistols is only eight serial numbers apart. Pistols such as these
are known to have been carried during the First Schleswig War, also known as the Schleswig-
Holstein Uprising or Three Years War (March 24th, 1848-May 8th, 1851) taking place around
southern Denmark and northern Germany, in which the Danish side emerged victorious, and also in the Second Schleswig War (February 1st,
1864-October 30th, 1864).
CONDITION: Very good with bright iron surfaces as lightly polished, some scattered minor pitting, and mostly clear markings. The grip is also very good, with
scattered light scratches and handling marks, a few small minor chips and cracks, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent.
B) Loebnitz Pistol - Serial no. B256, 66 cal., 8 5/8 inch octagon bbl., bright finish, hardwood grips. Reference the “A” description. This “B” gun in the lot is marked
“M-1841/B-1842-256” on the left of the action, with royal cyphers of Danish King Christian VIII (reigned 1839-1848), the matching serial number marked on various
components, and “181” stamped in the left of the grip.
CONDITION: Fine with bright iron surfaces, scattered patches of freckling
and defined markings. The grip is also fine, with scattered light scratches
and handling marks, and defined edges. Mechanically
excellent. This rare pair of Danish
military Loebnitz patent breech loading
underhammer percussion pistols would
make a fine addition to any advanced
early military firearms collection.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
LOT 3270
Cased Engraved and Gold Inlaid Pair of Francois Prelat Percussion Dueling/
Target Pistols -A) Prelat Percussion Pistol - NSN, 50 cal., 7 3/8 inch octagon bbl.,
blue/casehardened/gold finish, walnut stock. Francois Prelat (1781-1859) is known
for multiple patents in France in the early 19th century including for the percussion
cap and during the Bourbon Restoration was appointed gunmaker to Comte
d’Artois Charles Philippe (the future King Charles X of France). This pair is signed “F. P.
PRELAT/A PARIS” in gold inlay on the locks and has foliate and shell engraving, finely
rifled Damascus barrels with dovetailed blade front sights, fixed notch rear sights
on the standing breeches, adjustable single set triggers, spurred trigger guards, and
figured half-stocks with shell carving at the forend tips, checkered wrists, and flared
pommels. The pair comes in an attractive birds-eye maple case with green baize
linings, and a suite of loading and maintenance equipment. The lid escutcheon is
inscribed “E R”.
CONDITION: Fine with bright gold inlaid marking, 50% original casehardened finish,
gray and brown patina, mild pitting concentrated at the breech, distinct engraving
and brown twist patterns, and mild wear. The stock is also fine and has crisp
checkering and carving, minor dings and scratches, a small repair at the nose of the
lock, and a few small faint cracks. Mechanically functions. The case is good and has
some cracks and mild storage wear. The accessories are generally fine with minimal
wear. The flask and mold are especially fine with nearly all of their respective
finishes. B) Prelat Percussion Pistol - NSN, 50 cal., 7 3/8 inch octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened/gold finish, walnut stock. As described in “A”.
CONDITION: Fine with bright gold inlaid marking, 50% original casehardened finish,
gray and brown patina on the balance, some pitting concentrated at the breech,
distinct engraving and brown twist patterns, and minor wear. The stock is also fine
and has crisp checkering and carving, minor dings and scratches, and a few small
faint hairline cracks cracks. Mechanically functions. Overall, a very attractive cased
pair from a well-known Parisian shop.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
184