GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
MAGNIFICENT HIGHLY DECORATED 1601 SAXON WHEELOCK PISTOL IN FINE ORIGINAL CONDITION.WHEELOCKMILITARY PISTOLNSN62Cal. 62. Most unusual long bbld military pistol with "pineapple-shaped" pommel. Ball pommel pistols of this genre are much more common and this is no doubt a rare variation, once in the collection of Randolph Hearst. This gun exhibits fine black lacquered textured wood with carved borders with 16 large scrimshawed bone insets which show figures of monstrous animals and human figures. The metal is chisel engraved with a gryphon on the lock, floral and arabesque relief designs on breech, trigger guard, cock mechanism and 7" fluted & ribbed bbl section forward of breech. Flared muzzle also has engraved designs. The brass and gilted pan cover is engraved with floral and birds. Breech is dated 1601 with initials "H S" which most likely represents the maker. This gun is truly fine, complete and original and better examples are not seen in institutional collections. PROVENANCE: Randolph Hearst Estate; Hammer Galleries, New York, 1930; Private Collection, 1941; CONDITION: 29-1/4" overall, 18-1/2" bbl, 3lbs 14oz. Iron overall is gray smooth patina with darker plum colors in protected areas of engraving, scattered areas of staining and light pin prick pitting. Stock is sound, retaining most of its dark color, well fit with several small chips that do not effect aesthetics at ramrod channel, and a hairline crack about 1/2" long below brass pan cover spreading forward about 2". There are minor chips and cracks in bone insets, but all are original and complete with exception of the left breech tang inset piece which has human figure and has at least one 1/4" chip restored. Mechanically gun appears functional with no missing parts with a fairly clean smooth well defined bore with visible original tool marks. Two original descriptions with Randolph Hearst inventory numbers accompanying on Hammer Galleries stationary. 50169-1 JS (25,000-35,000)