A SOUTH GERMAN ALL-STEEL WHEEL-LOCK BELT PISTOL

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The Dr. Robert Amalric Collection Dr. Amalric began collecting fine antique weapons in the early 1970's. During the years that followed he travelled through out Europe buying from international collections. By a process of continual upgrading Dr. Amalric succeeded in amassing some two-hundred examples with wheel-lock pistols being especially well represented. Many of the most rare and decorated pieces have provided the subject of sixty articles in the Gazette des Armes (G.d.A.), published under the pseudonym Rémy Alaric, between 1990 and 2004. In this Dr. Amalric collaborated with Jean-Marcel Etienne, with contributions from Gérard Dintroz, Robert E. Brooker and Bernard Croissy among others. Christie's is proud to be able to offer this extensive collection of wheel-lock, flintlock and percussion firearms. There are thirty-one wheel-lock pistols included, with particular strength within the French and German categories. Almost as unusual is the inclusion of seventeen arms by Boutet, of which one pair of pistols is of the extremely rare pattern for a senior officer of Dragoons of the Imperial Guard, model Vendémiaire. There are additionally twenty-seven French Regulation arms in the collection, all of which are included for their rarity or condition. Of these there are five pieces for the Mamelouk squadron of the Imperial Guard; a pair of pistols for a General officer, model Vendémiaire , by Boutet; three pistols from the Garde du Corps du Roi (one from the Ancien Régime model 1755 and a pair from the second Restoration period); a possibly unique pistol from the Garde du Corps du Comte d'Artois; two pairs from the Chevau-Légers, both Ancien Régime and Restoration, and two pairs for the Officiers de Gendarmerie, models 1770 and 1836. Complemented by powder-flasks and other accessories and well-documented with certificates of expertise, this collection represents one of the most interesting to come to the market in recent years.

A SOUTH GERMAN ALL-STEEL WHEEL-LOCK BELT PISTOL

CIRCA 1590

Details

A SOUTH GERMAN ALL-STEEL WHEEL-LOCK BELT PISTOL
circa 1590
With two-stage barrel with raised moulded muzzle, plain flat lock struck with a mark (rubbed), domed faceted wheel-cover retained by a moulded ring, sliding pan-cover with rosette button release, safety-catch and the dog pierced and engraved with a monster, plain full stock, spherical pommel with ring finial, belt hook, and slender trigger-guard (the arm of the safety-catch, the trigger and the ramrod all replaced, polished bright, light pitting).
9¼in (23.5cm)

Provenance

Henri Andre, Hôtel Drouot, 9-10 June 1947.
Jeanne and Robert-Jean Charles, Hôtel Drouot, 13 May 1993, Lot 5

Literature

Etienne and Alaric, Les Pistolets Européens tout metal (1530-1830), G.d.A. No.269, September 1996.

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

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