AMER AUGUST 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, August 24, 2015.
FABULOUS PAIR FRENCH EMPIRE FLINTLOCK PISTOLS DECORATED IN THE OTTOMAN STYLE.These solid gilted brass framed pistols are rarely seen and mimic a few patterns circa 1780-1790. Barrels are fully octagonal and flared with gold design at muzzles and breeches. Guns are richly silver wire inlaid along with gold insets into the iron trigger guard, buttcap and barrels. Makers marks are engraved on frame flats opposite locks and the Ottoman crescent moon and stars are found on trigger guards and buttcaps, along with panoply of arms and other decorations. This is a unique pair of pistols in extremely fine condition that we have not seen comparable before. Pistols are accompanied by their original Moroccan lined leather holster that is missing its strap but still retains a belt loop on verso. The holster is decorated with silver bullion thread in floral and venal design. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Family tradition states: gift to an American engineer working in the Middle East about 1910. CONDITION: Very good overall. One gun is missing its barrel locking pin and barrel locking loop, otherwise both guns appear original and complete. There are tool marks on jaw screws and scattered dings, dents and scratches on much of gun surface; typical after 200 years. Gold decoration shows wear at high spots with some reductions. Silver wire inlay is 98% complete with only a few small strands missing and a few small chips in stocks. Gun metal is grey overall with scattered staining and pitting. Accompanying holster is quite sound though as noted missing over the shoulder strap though belt loop is still retained and solid. High area scuffed and bullion thread has lost its shine and color. 49070-3 JS (4,000-6,000)