May 18, 2021 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2021
These pistols dated to the middle of the 18th Century. Both have 9 3/4" blued octagonal .50 caliber rifled barrels. Both are extensively inlaid with silver scroll designs and the name "J. CHRISTOPH KUCHENREITER" surrounded by inlaid designs on the top flats. On the top of both breeches is a sunken gold cartouche of a solider on horseback above the initials "ICK" in relief for the maker. Both pistols have silver front blade sights and three leaf folding rear sights mounted on the tangs. The tangs are numbered "1" and "2". Both rounded lockplates are inscribed "Joh. Christoph/ Kuchenreiter" in the centers. Both locks are polished with blued accents including the top jaws, top jaw screws, cock screws, frizzens and frizzen screws. Pans are faceted and unbridled. Both pistols feature plain gilt brass mounts of classic mid-18th century German style. The lock retaining screws are also fire blued. The partially figured walnut stocks feature horn nosecaps. Both are profusely carved with relief carving around the barrel tangs, lock plates, sideplates and ramrod entry ferrules. There is also a cameo carved border around the front tangs of the trigger guards. Both ramrods are wooden with horn tips and both appear to be original. Both pistols feature single set triggers. CONDITION: (A) Barrel retains about 80-90% of its original fire blued finish, with some edge wear and thinning, as well as some wear at breech. Lock is excellent, retaining nearly all of its original polish and fire blued finishes. Lock mechanism is crisp and functions perfectly. Mounts retain nearly all of their original gilt finish, with only some tiny areas of wear, mostly on the high areas of the pommel. Wrist has been broken and repaired, as well as a break in the forend. Stock has been refinished and now shows some scattered marks from use. (B) Barrel retains 40-50% of its original fire blued finish, with some thinning and flaking. Lock retains nearly all of its original finishes and mechanism is tight but does not hold on half-cock. Mounts retain 90-95% of their original gilt finish, with some scattered scratches on sideplate and some losses to finish on high areas of the pommel cap. Stock has one minor piece of wood replaced on right side of trigger guard and a crack around the wrist has been stabilized. Carving is crisp, otherwise showing scattered marks and abrasions. A very attractive pair of pistols by a famous German maker. DMG
Manufacturer
Christoph Kuchenreiter