Lot 4856
A pair of wheellock puffers for enlisted men of the Saxon Electorate Palace Life Guard (2nd model), circa 1580/90
Arms & Armour, and Antique Firearms | A108aw | Live auction | 1129 Lots
Description
Slightly different pistols with octagonal, then round, smooth bore barrels in 16 mm calibre. One barrel with the year „1588” and hunting horn mark stamped at the breech. The second barrel struck with the monogram „NH”. The barrels slightly pitted and stained in places. Locks with external encapsulated wheels and folding safety catches. The spring-loaded pan cover with a release button. One lock plate with hunting horn mark, the other with a mark in the shape of a hammer. The delicately burled, blackened walnut stocks with inlays of engraved and blackened bone. Inlaid silver plaques with finely etched warrior's heads amidst leafy vines on the spherical butt ends. Wooden ramrods with engraved bone tips. Length of each 56.5 cm. As a large number of puffers were needed for the Saxon trabant guard, different gunsmiths were commissioned to produce the firearms according to a standard pattern. The hallmarks on both pistols can be attributed to two Saxon gunsmiths who were active at that time.Condition: II Questions about the lot?
