GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
MAGNIFICENT CASED PAIR OF GOLD DAMASCENE AND IVORY MAURER REVOLVERS WITH SERBIAN ROYAL CREST. GBR MAURER 1854 LEFAUCHEUX 77572/77571 12MM IVORY This truly magnificent cased pair of large frame 12mm Lefaucheux pin-fire revolvers have the Royal seal applied in gold in high relief gilted brass 2-1/4" x 2-1/2", on top of casing, details of the crest are quite well defined with dates 1389-1815 and Latin motto (Tempus et Meum Jus) which translates to "The time is right". Guns are magnificently inset in gold floral damascene covering most of the metal surfaces of the pistols. Top bbl flats of 6-1/4" full oct bbls are also decorated in gold "DECEMBER 1862" Each gun is numbered 297 on front of bbl lug with SNs found externally on left side of frame and bbl housing SN 77572 & 77(5)71. Screws still retain excellent engraving and only a couple show signs of ever being turned. Guns are beautifully gripped in elephant ivory. Pistols are in a fine blue velvet lined case with a loose blue silk liner with embroidered rosette for display. Embossed in gilt on top lining "GEBRUDER MAURER IN WIEN"; the Maurer brothers were well known vendors of high grade gold embellished arms of the mid-19th century. Each gun is marked on left flat of bbl near breech "E. LEFAUCHEUX / ...BREVETE". Various proofs showing manufacture by Auguste Francotte in Liege. Francotte is generally recognized as the finest gunsmith of Liege in the mid 19th century. These guns display beautifully. CONDITION: Very fine overall, pistols retain most of their bright blue, almost black finish, with balance grey/plum. The only major loss of blue is on gun SN 77571 on left and top of bbl and about a 1" by 2" area where the blue has been worn through. Still with sharp edges and gold insets intact. Gold damascene work is virtually 100% intact on both guns with only minor cosmetic losses. "Certifiable antique elephant ivory" grips are well fit with patina. This pair originally had inset Serbian Royal Crests at back of frames, these are now missing. Orig casing is missing its central set of partitions seen on other identically cased Maurer pistols which would have retained tools and insets for each pistol. However, the two long lidded compartments are intact, one retaining its orig "certifiable antique ivory" cylindrical oiler with gilted brass finial in suite to finials on compartment lids. See James Julia Auctions, Lot 2281, March 15, 2016 for an identical set with proper inset compartments in case and original royal crests on backstraps. Ornate brass inlay on orig casing is intact with only a couple small reductions. Box is also decorated with engraved brass corners. All brass mounts exhibit deep mustard colored patina. The large ornate medallion surrounding the royal seal is inscribed like the guns "DECEMBER 1862". Embossed gilt agents marking is crisp as seen inside top lid on padded velvet liner. Other retained velvet in casing is fine with bright royal blue color. Box is sound and solid overall, retaining much of its dark finish with normal cosmetic dents, scratches and wear expected. Applied royal seal retains most of its orig gold plate with good patina. 50583-1 JS (15,000-25,000)