Lot Essay
The inlay in the stock can be attributed on stylistic grounds to Klaus Hirt of Wasungen (Thuringia), whose signature appears on the stock of a wheel-lock gun in the Historisches Museum, Bern (inv. no. 2223)
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DATED 1579
Details
A FINE 22-BORE GERMAN WHEEL-LOCK PISTOL
Dated 1579
With stamped two-stage barrel with roped girdle and dated on the top flat of the octagonal breech, plain tang, flat lock, flat wheel-cover with brass bezel engraved with three pairs of hands each clasping a heart, all on a punched ground, slotted pan-cover release button, and engraved swivelling safety-catch, fruitwood full stock profusely inlaid with scrollwork and pellets in engraved white staghorn, inhabited by birds, squirrels, masks, and foliage, the borders also of white staghorn engraved with scalework, scrolls, and stylised foliage, incised iron trigger-guard, iron belt hook with pierced finial, engraved staghorn fore-end cap, and original ramrod with engraved staghorn tip, in very fine condition throughout
24¾in. (62.9cm.)
Dated 1579
With stamped two-stage barrel with roped girdle and dated on the top flat of the octagonal breech, plain tang, flat lock, flat wheel-cover with brass bezel engraved with three pairs of hands each clasping a heart, all on a punched ground, slotted pan-cover release button, and engraved swivelling safety-catch, fruitwood full stock profusely inlaid with scrollwork and pellets in engraved white staghorn, inhabited by birds, squirrels, masks, and foliage, the borders also of white staghorn engraved with scalework, scrolls, and stylised foliage, incised iron trigger-guard, iron belt hook with pierced finial, engraved staghorn fore-end cap, and original ramrod with engraved staghorn tip, in very fine condition throughout
24¾in. (62.9cm.)
Provenance
The Saxon Royal Armouries, Dresden
Literature
Kaa Wennberg, European Firearms in Swedish Castles, 1986, p.105
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.
Further details
END OF SALE