Lot 1448
A fine pair of flintlock pistols from the armoury of the Duke of Bavaria, Charles Albert (1726-45), by Johann Gottfried Kolbe of Suhl, circa 1740
Arms & Armour, and Antique Firearms | A106aw | Live auction | 581 Lots
Hammer price € 9,600
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Blued, round barrels slightly constricted in the middle, seven-groove rifled bores in 16 mm calibre. Gilt "spider" front sights, gold-inlaid decorative tendrils on the distinct midribs. A depiction of a horseman above scrolling bands at the breeches of both barrels. The locks with chased decorative tendrils on a gold-plated background. Signed "J.G.Kolbe" below the spring. The slightly carved full stocks in beautifully grained walnut. The silver furniture richly decorated in relief. Silver thumb plates with delicately carved Bavarian coat of arms, including two collars and archducal coronet. Inset wooden ramrods with silver tips. Both pistols with a minor tension crack on the forearm in the nose sections. Length of each 52 cm. Charles Albert of Bavaria (born in Brussels in 1697, died in Munich in 1745) reigned as Charles I, Elector Palatine and Duke of Bavaria from 1726 to 1745. Moreover, he was Charles III of Bohemia from 1741 to 1743 and Charles VII, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, from 1742 until his death. Johann Gottfried Kolbe, documented as a gunsmith from 1730 to 1753, initially worked in London from 1730 to 1737, also for George II of Great Britain and Ireland. He subsequently settled in Suhl, producing deluxe weapons for various royal houses in Europe.Provenance: Hermann Historica, Munich, Auction 35, October 1997, lot 1400.
Condition: II + Questions about the lot?
