September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/6/2023
Pair of Belgian Muff pistols with each pistol possessing 2 turn-off barrels with faux Damascus twist and false rifling designed to facilitate easy removal, boxlock actions engraved with floral scroll on side, with a further spray of scroll on underside, where triggers fold into frame, and along tang. Barrels with Belgian "ELG" proof. Plain fishform cocks that correctly deploy triggers when cocked. Sidepanels behind actions, bag grips with German silver buttcaps, faceted around the perimeter with shell motif lids hiding a trap. House in a case with French fitting for both pistols, and powder flask, and a third missing tool, probably originally a bullet mold. Two additional compartments containing lead balls and caps. Lining originally appears to have been violet but is now largely brown. Simple warded lock mechanism with a replaced strike plate and moved catch. CONDITION: Metal on both pistols has been polished in the European fashion with some faint spotted darkness and discoloration from oil staining. Damascus twist is now only visible in traces. Pistol (A) has some handling marks on underside behind right trigger consistent with shooting with a ring. Stocks have handling marks and impressions throughout, pistol (B) with a small chip on rear of trap. Mechanically crisp with triggers deploying appropriately, bores are very good with a minimum of oxidation. Powder flask is very good, with seam just starting to separate in a few places and plenty of nitre blue on spring. Lining with impressions from housing this pistols for a long time. Case is good with numerous handling marks, crack across the top of the lid, through the lock escutcheon, and at bottom. Some minor chips at joinings, lightly revarnished.
Barrel Length
(BOTH) 2 - 1/2"
Caliber/Bore
(BOTH) .40 caliber
Manufacturer
(BOTH) Belgian
Model
(BOTH) Percussion Double Barrel