A PAIR OF 22-BORE GERMAN SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS

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A PAIR OF 22-BORE GERMAN SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS
BY MATTHE A MANNHEIM, MID-18TH CENTURY

With etched twist counterfeit Turkish barrels each with encrusted silver decoration at the muzzle and breech, the latter with an arabic-style inscription in gold and an imitation ruby, plain tangs, signed flat border engraved bevelled locks each cut with rococo ornament against a gilt fish-roe ground on the stepped tail, cock, and steel, moulded lightly carved figured walnut full stocks (each with a few worm holes, one fore-end cracked), shaped silver mounts lightly engraved with further rococo ornament and with a sporting and martial trophy respectively on the bow of the trigger-guard, shaped solid side-plates, horn fore-end caps, and original silver-tipped ramrods (one tip replaced)
16½in. (2)

Lot Essay

Johann Peter Matthé of Mannheim is recorded between 1724 and circa 1760

For examples of his work in the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum see Erwin Schalkhaußer, Handfeuerwaffen, No.s 176-180

The barrels are imitations of Turkish originals of the type captured at the time of the relief of the siege of Vienna in 1683

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