2020 September Premier, Volume I

BOTH SIDES PICTURED
LOT 265
Decorative Saxon Wheel Lock Pistol - NSN, 48 cal., 20 3/8 inch part octagon bbl., bright finish, fruitwood stock. This pistol is similar
in overall layout to others identified as belonging to the Trabants (bodyguards)/Electoral Guard of Prince Christian II, Elector of Saxony,
in the late 16th century and early 17th century (c. 1590-1610) and found in the Saxon Electoral Armories collections in Dresden. Some pistols of this
style are also known that are identified as having been owned by other elite Saxon families. The “pear” shaped pommel and ornamentation style is similar to
other identified pieces in renowned international collections. Note, for example, the pair by Simon Helbig and Hans Fleischer in the collection of the Metropolitan
Museum of Art which have very similar overall layouts and use the same trigger reset spring arrangement. The floral roundels and other stag inlays along the stock are
also very similar to those on other Saxon pistols. This pistol is somewhat unusual in that the inlays are entirely floral and geometric whereas often
faces or animals are included. The barrel and lock both have deep “VF/lion rampant” maker’s marks. The gilded wheel cover has birds and floral
patterns. The barrel also has a cannon style muzzle, engraved bands, ribs and three spherical cutouts on the mid-section,
and light engraving accents. Includes a multi-tool with spanner and powder measure.
CONDITION: Very good as professionally restored overall
with a combination of original and replacement parts
including the dog and dog spring. Most of the iron
remains fairly bright with light surface pitting and oxidation.
The wheel cover has attractive aged patina. The replacement
stock is fine and has minimal marks and scratches
throughout and some slight flaking at the edge of the lock
inlet. The smaller mechanisms function properly, but the
wheel has not been tested.
Estimate: 7500 - 11000
The Estate of William T. Prichard
BOTH SIDES PICTURED
LOT 266
Engraved Short Barreled Victorian Wheel Lock
Rifle - NSN, 56 cal., 17 inch octagon bbl., bright finish,
walnut stock. Assembled in the Victorian era using components of a Germanic 17th century rifle. The lock is engraved with a dog
pursuing a stag and scrolls. The barrel has four-groove rifling, a dovetailed bead style front sight, two-leaf rear sight, and a crude “Z” marking on top
at the breech. The side plate and finger groove trigger guard are brass, and it has a set of double set triggers. The stock has a contrasting forend tip, some scroll
carving, a large cheek piece, contrasting patch box lid panels, and a horn buttplate.
CONDITION: Good as assembled with mottled gray and brown patina on the lock and barrel, legible engraving, aged patina on the brass, and spliced and repaired
stock with some chips and moderate overall wear. The lock is untested, but the set triggers are fine.
Estimate: 2000 - 3000
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