2020 September Premier, Volume I

Phenomenal, Fresh & Incredibly Important
The patterns have similarities to those on stocks known to be crafted
by master stock maker Klaus Hirt of Wasungen and include complex
intertwining scrolls with blooms and fruit, grotesque masks including
disgorging masks on the sides at the ramrod entry points and either
side of the barrel tangs and a whole series of manly bestial masks on
the pommels, strange restrained beasts on the bottom of the forends,
mermaids at the nose of the locks, nude male characters along with four
dogs and two bears on the left sides (bear hunting and baiting were
popular at the time), and cherub/putto designs. Even the tips of the
wooden ramrods are scrimshawed staghorn and exhibit scale patterns. The
smoothbore, part-octagon/part-round barrels have lightly flared muzzles
with small post front sights, interesting rear tube/peep sights, line and
dash engraving in the midsections, “H” (upper left) and “B” (upper right)
barrel maker’s initials, and antler maker’s cartouches (on top). The locks
have flat plates, enclosed wheels, sprung pan covers, simple line accents,
and teats at the nose and tails. The lock screws traverse through the lock
plates and into the pierced metal belt hooks on the left stock flats which
have a circle and V design and fit very closely to the side of the stocks.
CONDITION: Fine with gray patina and some light pitting on the metal,
generally crisp markings and engraving, some small pieces absent or
repaired on the stock, and general mild wear overall. Lock untested.
B) Saxon Wheellock Pistol - NSN, 54 cal., 13 inch part octagon bbl.,
bright finish, fruitwood stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with gray patina and light pitting on the lock and barrel,
mostly crisp engraving and markings, some small pieces repaired or absent
on the stock, and mild overall wear. The lock is untested. 16th century
wheellock pistols are rare and valuable treasures, especially those with real
artistic merit like this pair.
The Robert M. Lee Collection
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