GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
VERY FINE PAIR OF "CHRISTOPH KUCHENREITER" SIGNED FLINTLOCK PISTOLS ONCE IN THE COLLECTION OF RUDOLPH HESS. KUCHENREITER FLINTLOCK NSN 50 Cal. 50. This fine "as found" pair of original flintlock pistols is numbered 1 & 2 are both fitted for the detachable shoulder stock shown on no. 2. no. 1 is shown with detachable thumb plate with royal seal with crown and script old German initial. Johan Christoph Kuchenreiter (1755-1818) was part of a dynasty of Bavarian gunsmiths who produced high quality arms for the royal houses of the various Germanic States and Austria, working starting in 1776. This wonderful pair date circa 1785. PROVENANCE: Family History states these were taken from home of Rudolph Hess, brought to American in 1945. Estate Collection of Harold R. Beacham. CONDITION: Fine to extra fine, appearing complete, original, authentic. Measuring 16" overall with 10-1/4" smooth bore, ribbed tapered bbls. Bbls have full silver inset makers mark "I. Christoph Kuchenreiter", with other inset silver designs from breech to muzzle. Breech is inlaid with gold washed Kuchenreiters 5/16" round proof with his initials "ICK" and mounted rider. Kuchenreiter''s trademark 3 leaf rear sights are intact. Front sights are small blades, missing on no. 1. Incised and relief carving is crisp on well fit stocks which exhibit hand worn patina and some raised grain. The detachable shoulder stock measures 12" overall, also with incised and relief carving, retains its original and functional wooden patchbox retained by iron spring, crisp and sharp with one small chip in bottom toe, raised grain retained. Iron mounts gray and smooth overall with staining and light areas of pitting. Pan on no. 2 retains traces of bright original color. 50164-1 JS (4,000-6,000)