Revised: 4/9/2017

Please Note: These fine and rare hand mortars are illustrated on plate 10 as Lot 410 and described on page 30 in F. Theodore Dexter’s Half Century Scrapbook of Vari-Type Firearms published 1960. This book is of the Frank E. Bivens Jr. Collection.

FINE, MASSIVE AND VERY RARE PAIR OF DUTCH-STYLE WHEEL LOCK HAND MORTARS, PROBABLY AUSTRIAN USAGE, CIRCA 1625.

NSN. Cal. 5.2cm. 13-1/2″ overall, 6-1/4″ (16cm) bbls. The heavy brass hand mortars weigh over 6lbs each with characteristic reinforced breeches and extremely large bores mounted on European walnut full stocks with molding under bbls. Locks are convex and typical of Dutch-style Wheel Lock military pistols of the period. Steel trigger guards with steel forend reinforcing bands, and steel lozenge-shaped buttcaps. This is an extremely impressive pair of Wheel Lock mortars doubtless carried on a naval vessel to signal and throw bombs. Single mortars of this type are rare and pairs are virtually unknown outside major European museums. PROVENANCE: Private Lifetime Collection Of A Noted Scholar And Authority. CONDITION: Very good overall. Steel trigger guards cleaned in the European manner with some staining and light pitting. Locks are clean gray metal in working order. The molded walnut stocks are freshly varnished and show some old worm holes now filled but generally good. The huge brass bbls exhibit some wear and the usual dents, scratches and minor cosmetic defects expected after almost 400 years.. 51625-8 (35,000-55,000) – Lot 1267

RARE GERMAN ETCHED ALL STEEL WHEEL LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL, CIRCA 1580.

NSN. Cal. 15mm. Measuring 21-3/4″ overall, 13″, 2-stage swamped bbl is decorated over 95% of its surface. Most notable exception is buttcap which is un-decorated and thought to have originally been covered with fabric on leather. Etching includes floral and geometric patterns with several panels of animals, including Phoenix, dog, boar and stag. Two stamped shield stamped cartouches on top bbl flat at breech one having an eagle surcharged with the letters “HH”; the other a rampant horse (neither found in Stockel). Still retaining inventory tag (HL 265), from the Armory of Hohenlohe-Langenburg Castle. PROVENANCE: Armory of the Hohenlohe-Langenburg Castle; Private Lifetime Collection Of A Noted Scholar And Authority. CONDITION: Good-very good overall. Metal has seen years of cleaning with etched panels all still discernible with good black patina background, but some lighter than others. Iron ramrod is replaced. 51625-2 JS (25,000-35,000) – Lot 1268

ATTRACTIVE DECORATED BRAUNSCHWEIG BALL BUTT (PUFFER) WHEEL LOCK BELT PISTOL.

NSN. Cal. 14mm. 23-1/2″ overall, 15-1/2″ 2-stage swamped bbl with engraved geometric decoration and indiscernible makers mark at breech. Breech retains a short cylindrical iron peep sight. Stock is inset with numerous scrimshawed bone inlays in floral and geometric designs with mythical creatures apparently breathing fire, facing each other in panels surrounding lock escutcheon, which retains about a 4″ decorated belt hook. Consignor attributes this gun to Braunschweig, circa 1580 based on lock design of known German pistols from this province which later became Hanover. PROVENANCE: Private Lifetime Collection Of A Noted Scholar And Authority. CONDITION: Gun appears orig and complete with probable addition of restored ramrod and a few bone insets which match gun well. Metal is clean and white/bright with scattered staining and light pitting. 51625-9 JS (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1269

RARE AND FINE ALL METAL NURNBERG WHEEL LOCK CAVALRY PISTOL USED BY THE VENETIAN REPUBLIC, CIRCA 1580.

NSN. Cal. 15mm. 14″ overall, with 8-1/2″ oct-rnd swamped bbl, with Nurnberg proof and makers mark with unicorn on top bbl flat. Lock is marked “GB” below a bird with another indiscernible proof, not found in Stockel. According to consignor, there are 14 identical pistols in the “Armeria of the Palazzo Ducale” in Venice. A belt hook acts as the rear lockplate screw escutcheon. Belt hook is 7-3/4″ long. Round portion of bbl is florally engraved as is pan cover and cock is engraved in the shape of the head of a beast. Gun appears orig, complete and fine condition. PROVENANCE: Private Lifetime Collection Of A Noted Scholar And Authority. CONDITION: Very good-fine overall. Metal is fairly smooth, grey/bright overall with light scattered areas of staining and pitting. Lock and bbl markings and engraving crisp and discernible as can be seen in photographs. 51625-3 JS (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1271

AUSTRIAN WHEEL LOCK HOLSTER PISTOL, CIRCA 1690.

NSN. Cal. 15.5mm. Dietrichstein proof of Ferlach found top of bbl breech, otherwise unmarked. Bbl is 36cm (14-1/4″) and about 21″ overall. Gun appears orig and complete and in beautiful condition, apparently seeing little use. PROVENANCE: Ex-Pahar Collection; Private Lifetime Collection Of A Noted Scholar And Authority. CONDITION: Metal overall is bright and polished. Stock is sound, very good with some raised grain, well fit around lock that appears to have seen little use. Bore is clean and smooth. 51625-11 JS (10,000-20,000) – Lot 1273

AUSTRIAN, CIRCA 1645, WHEEL LOCK BELT PISTOL.

NSN. Cal. 14mm. 21″ long, with 13″ oct bbl with three indiscernible proofs. Consignor believes this to be from Ferlach. Gun is totally iron mounted with lock escutcheon doubling as base to 6-1/2″ belt hook, hexagonal buttcap, trigger guard, nosecap and spirally cut ramrod thimble. PROVENANCE: Private Lifetime Collection Of A Noted Scholar And Authority. CONDITION: Very good overall. Metal cleaned in the European style. Grey/bright with staining and pitting, especially in nosecap and trigger guard. Horn tipped ramrod is a later addition. European walnut stock is sound and solid with two glue repaired cracks and inset sliver of wood forward of lock. Missing front bbl retaining pin. 51625-5 JS (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1274

VERY FINE EUROPEAN AXE PISTOL, CIRCA 1650.

NSN. Cal. 14mm. A very rare and superb axe pistol with 5-3/4″, 2-stage bbl. The lock is florally engraved and hammer is engraved with a sea serpent. Haft measures about 22″ with an 8″ wide axe blade with forgers mark on blade. The consignor believes it to be German made possibly for the Swedish navy. PROVENANCE: Private Lifetime Collection Of A Noted Scholar And Authority. CONDITION: Fine overall. Iron is smooth and grey. Bbl still retains strong traces of orig blue finish. Engraving is crisp. Stock is sound with good color and hand worn patina with a few hairlines between lock and axe. Mechanically gun functions well, though will not hold at half-cock. Appears 100% complete and orig with exception of one lock screw missing.Most examples seen are parade pieces… This is a weapon. 51625-6 (15,000-20,000) – Lot 1275

FINE VENETIAN WHEEL LOCK PISTOL, CIRCA 1630/40.

NSN. Cal. 13.5mm. 24″ overall, with 17-1/4″ 2-stage bbl. Unmarked and iron mounted with fine sculpted iron inlays and escutcheons. Gun is totally unmarked. Similar cavalry pistols of this design can be found in the “Armeria of the Palazzo Ducale” in Venice. PROVENANCE: Private Lifetime Collection Of A Noted Scholar and Authority. CONDITION: Very good overall. Appears orig and matching. Metal was cleaned in the European style, smooth, grey with staining and light pitting. Inlays appear complete. Solid, European walnut stock with several hairlines and numerous small dings, dents and scratches, hand worn patina. Trigger guard has slight bend. Rear stock band, which retains bbl pin, has been reinforced with two tacks and is slightly raised on left side. 51625-4 JS (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1276

FINE PAIR OF DUTCH MILITARY FLINTLOCK PISTOLS, CIRCA 1740.

NSN. Cal. 18mm. This beautiful pair of pistols appears “as found”. Just over 21″ overall with 2-stage oct-rnd 14″ bbls with inset brass blade front sights and 70 Cal. Guns are iron mounted with moldings around locks, bbl tangs and rear ramrod thimble. Guns are in beautiful “as found” condition. Fully functional with clean smooth bores. Guns are both marked with a heart shaped makers mark at front end of lock, with raised initials “GEM” over a chicken. One gun has inspectors cartouche opposite lock which appears to read “AW” in oval. PROVENANCE: Private Lifetime Collection Of A Noted Scholar And Authority. CONDITION: Guns are fine overall. Appear orig and complete. Guns are cleaned in the European style. Metal overall bright/grey with scattered staining and pitting. Stocks are sound and solid with minor blemishes expected after about 300 years. 51625-12 JS (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1277

EXCELLENT LOEWE BORCHARDT MODEL 1893 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL WITH MATCHING STOCK AND MAGAZINE.

SN 359. Cal. 30. Borchardt with 7-1/2″ bbl, “BUG” proofs on left side, with integral front sight and adjustable rear sight blade. Chamber marked “WAFFENFABRIK / LOWE / BERLIN”. “D.R.P./No75837.” on center toggle link. “BU” proofs repeated on toggle assembly and on left side of receiver. “SYSTEM BORCHARDT.PATENT.” on right receiver. Checkered walnut grips with border. Numbered parts on gun are matching including each of the grips that have penciled numbers on their inner surface. Orig matching shoulder stock, which is distributor marked “GESETZLICH GESCHUTZT” on lower spine, having matching numbered cheekpiece. Attached to the stock is orig black leather holster. PROVENANCE: The Frank H. Wheaton, III Collection. CONDITION: Retaining 95-98% orig bright blue with light wear on sharp edges and a few noticeable mars in front of the trigger guard. Fire blued parts are bright with minor wear. Condition of grips commensurate with pistol, though the checkering on left panel is slightly blunted. Magazine is excellent with a bright body and a plug that retains virtually all of its orig varnish. Mirror bright bore with strong rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. Stock and attached holster are excellent with very little wear of metal parts and leather holster that is still moderately flexible. Orig stitching showing no evidence of repair. Retaining straps with moderate crazing, particularly the rear most strap. A fine, early and all-original Borchardt rig that should appeal to any collector of semiautomatic pistols. 51516-10 LMA (17,500-22,500) – Lot 1519

FINE CZARIST RUSSIAN MODEL 1870 BERDAN II RIFLE.

SN 12373. Cal. 10.66x57R. 32-1/2″ bbl manufactured and dated 1885 at the Sestroryetsk Arsenal. With appears to be numbers matching with the possibility of bolt body having been arsenal renumbered. 1-pc birchwood stock has large 1885 dated cartouche on butt. Has two heavy wire pattern sling swivels equipped for socket bayonet and complete with long range volley sights. CONDITION: Very fine overall condition with approximately 70% rust blue finish remaining. Balance thinning to patina. 1-pc birch stock is very fine with typical dings and abrasions from over 100 years of use. A somewhat rare and uncommon rifle to be found in this country in condition as fine as this. 51561-1 TDW (1,500-2,500) – Lot 3477

18TH CENTURY GERMANIC MILITARY FLINTLOCK PISTOL.

NSN. Cal. 69. 21″ overall, brass mounted with 14″ oct-rnd slightly swamped bbl with brass blade front sight. 5″ serpentine lock escutcheon is in shape of stylized dragon. There are no discernible markings on metal externally but stock is stamped or branded with a large “DG”on bottom of stock forward of trigger guard and number “468” in stock just left of tang between tang and lock escutcheon moulding. This is an elegant, classic 18th century long barreled, probably Prussian, cavalry pistol. PROVENANCE: Private Lifetime Collection Of A Noted Scholar And Authority. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Metal cleaned in the European style. Iron is overall grey/bright with staining and light pitting, mostly at breech. Brass has a medium mustard patina. Stock has old refinish with a couple of glued crack repairs, but otherwise sound and solid. Mechanically gun functions with smooth clean bore. 51627-5 JS (3,500-5,500) – Lot 3527

RARE FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS “DUTCH NAVY BOARDING” PISTOL.

NSN. Cal. 70. 14-1/2″ overall, 8″ oct-rnd bbl with wedding ring transition flaring at muzzle to 1-3/4″ x 1″ oval. Brass mounted and unmarked. This is a nice condition rarely offered military style blunderbuss pistol. PROVENANCE: Private Lifetime Collection Of A Noted Scholar And Authority. CONDITION: Metal cleaned in the European style, iron is overall grey with staining and pitting. Brass has light yellow patina. Stock is sound and solid as repaired with 2-1/2″ inset just forward and top of lock. There is a crack in stock between lock and trigger causing gap at bottom of lockplate to wood fit. Trigger guard tang is cracked at screw. Mechanically functional with smooth pitted bore. 51627-10 JS (3,000-5,000) – Lot 3528

RARE 18TH CENTURY RIFLED HANNOVER FLINTLOCK PISTOL.

NSN. Cal. 60 (15.5mm). 18″ overall, 11-1/4″ rnd bbl with 7 shallow grooves, brass blade front sight. Gun is brass mounted with mouldings at tang, lock and lockplate escutcheon. There are no discernible markings other than a rack number visible on tang. PROVENANCE: Private Lifetime Collection Of A Noted Scholar And Authority. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Gun appears orig and matching. Iron is grey overall with pitting. Brass has a medium mustard patina. European walnut stock has several hairlines one 1/2″ putty repair on left side of forestock at front ramrod pipe. There is also a crack on right side of forestock forward of front ramrod pipe. Mechanically functional with pitted bore and wallowed out touchhole. 51627-7 JS (2,500-3,500) – Lot 3529

EARLY 18TH CENTURY DUTCH FLINTLOCK CAVALRY PISTOL.

NSN. Cal. 65 (17mm). 21-1/2″ overall with 14-1/2″ oct to rnd with top rib. Engraved on top rib near breech is Cross of Malta and indiscernible text following. Gun is totally iron mounted. Lock and escutcheon also have indiscernible script inscriptions also lost by many years of cleaning. This is an elegant appearing circa 1730 military flint pistol, rarely offered. PROVENANCE: Private Lifetime Collection of A Noted Scholar And Authority. CONDITION: Good to very good as restored. Metal mostly appears orig, though stock has several inset and putty restorations and forestock forward of lock is restored as is ramrod. Iron ramrod pipes are much more pitted than rest of iron. Mechanically cock will hold only on full cock, bore is smooth with heavy pitting. 51627-8 JS (2,500-3,500) – Lot 3530

RARE MID-18TH CENTURY VENETIAN CAVALRY FLINTLOCK PISTOL.

NSN. Cal. 70. 19-1/2″ overall with 13-1/2″ rnd bbl. Venetian Arsenal mark of a lion cartouche at tail of lock. The escutcheon plate marked with “Lion of Saint Mark”. This gun is patterned after the French circa 1750, totally brass mounted with mouldings along forestock, tang, lock and lock escutcheon. This is a beautiful gun, well made with fine lines. PROVENANCE: Private Lifetime Collection of a Noted Scholar And Authority. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Bbl and lock have iron patina, a mix of mottled grey. Brass furniture has been cleaned, trigger bow is bent as are ramrod pipes. Ramrod is a replacement as is front brass blade sight and brass nosecap band. Stock is sound, refinished and restored forestock. Mechanically is functional with a heavily pitted bore. 51627-2 (2,000-4,000) – Lot 3531

LARGE 18TH CENTURY HANNOVER MILITARY FLINTLOCK PISTOL.

NSN. Cal. 75. 21-1/2″ overall, 14″ rnd bbl with brass blade sight and brass mounted. The only discernible markings are engraved “C 50″ on rear of trigger guard. There is a iron sling swivel mounted on buttcap, similar to known German Hussar examples, circa 1750. PROVENANCE: Private Lifetime Collection Of A Noted Scholar And Authority. CONDITION: Good overall as cleaned and restored. Cleaned in the European style. Reconverted to flint from percussion. Iron is overall grey with cleaned heavy pitting, brass has light mustard patina. Stock is sound as restored with several repairs, including 6-1/2” inset of forestock from muzzle back. Mechanically functioning with weak mainspring, pitted and rusted bore. 51627-6 JS (2,000-3,000) – Lot 3532

DUTCH 18TH CENTURY FLINTLOCK MILITARY PISTOL.

NSN. Cal. 69. 19-1/4″ overall, 12″ oct-rnd bbl with wedding ring transitions, brass blade front sight. Iron trigger guard and nosecap band, ramrod thimbles are brass. There is no lock escutcheon or buttcap, butt is simply carved, bulbous form. Bbl retained by two iron pins in forestock. PROVENANCE: Private Lifetime Collection Of A Noted Scholar And Authority. CONDITION: Good to very good as restored. Bbl has been cleaned and refinished, overall mottled plum/grey color with scattered areas of pitting. Other iron is cleaned with similar color. Stock has been restored and replenished retaining its new varnish. Mechanically gun functions with smooth pitted bore. 51627-9 JS (2,000-3,000) – Lot 3533

Revised: 4/11/2017

Please Note: The catalog description is correct, the printed catalog photo is of Lot 3537. Image online is correct.

SEA SERVICE TYPE TOWER PISTOL WITHOUT BELT HOOK.

NSN. Cal. 58. 12″ Tapered round bbl has Birmingham proofs and bbl makers initials at breech end. Lock with unbridled friction frizzen is marked “TOWER” at tail and with crown over “GR” and crowned broad arrow in front of flat faced cock, with line border engraving. Walnut full stock is brass mounted, and has crowned initials stamped at rear of brass sideplate, which has stud hole for belt hook plugged. CONDITION: Good. Iron parts are a smooth dark brown patina. Wood refinished and somewhat worn with some chipping near bbl tang and at rear of lockplate, which does not fit mortise well. Brass has toned back nicely since its last cleaning. Ramrod is a modern replacement. Cock appears to be a later replacement, and lock will not cock. 31377-13 MGM25 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 3534

BAVARIAN FLINTLOCK PISTOL THOUGHT TO BE MADE AT FORTSCHAU ARSENAL, CIRCA 1800.

NSN. Cal. 70. 14″ overall, 8-1/2″ rnd bbl. Gun is iron mounted with brass blade sight on front band. Gun is totally unmarked with exception of rack number stamped in stock opposite lock. PROVENANCE: Private Lifetime Collection of A Noted Scholar And Authority. CONDITION: Gun is good to very good overall. Iron is mottled grey/brown with old cleaning. The lock internally has a rectangular cartouche with raised “PM” and bbl has indiscernible partial mark on bottom. Gun appears to be orig flint though hammer has welded repair and top jaw screw appears to be restored. Mechanically functional with smooth, slightly pitted bore with bright breech. Stock is sound and solid with a couple of hairlines and several small chips and other cosmetic defects. Nosecap is poorly fit to stock but patina matches other iron. 51627-4 JS (1,500-2,500) – Lot 3535

MODEL 1850 DUTCH PERCUSSION CAVALRY PISTOL.

NSN. Cal. 69. 14-1/2″ overall, 8-1/4″ bbl. This is a nice example of an 1852 dated unique Dutch-style finger-loop hammer cavalry pistol. The Model “1850” is stamped on bbl tang. Lock is marked with a crown over “JF / 52” for date of manufacture. Stock has makers cartouche also dated “1852” and inspector’s cartouche opposite lock. Gun is mixed iron and brass mounted with most parts having inspector markings. PROVENANCE: Private Lifetime Collection Of A Noted Scholar And Authority. CONDITION: Gun appears orig and complete. Is overall good to very good with dark iron patina and light mustard patina to brass. Stock is sound with numerous small storage dings and dents. Tang screw and nipple appear to be only replacements. There is a small dent in the muzzle. Mechanically functional; smooth clear bore with rust. 51627-13 JS (1,000-2,000) – Lot 3536

Revised: 4/11/2017

Please Note: The catalog description is correct, the printed catalog photo is of Lot 3534. Image online is correct.

ENGLISH SEA SERVICE FLINTLOCK PISTOL BY TOWER WITH BELT HOOK.

NSN. Cal. 55. This large, heavy pistol has 12″ tapered round bbl and typical “Tower” marked flintlock, having crown over “GR” and crown over “V” proof. A 9″ belt hook is affixed to sideplate. Bbl, belt hook, and bbl tang have crowned “GR” proofs. Walnut full stock is brass mounted. CONDITION: Good. Iron and steel parts lightly cleaned to silver gray over some light staining. Stock shows some repairs near trigger and through butt. Brass is a mellow mustard brown patina. Mechanically good with little evidence of having been fired. 31377-26 MGM24 (2,500-3,000) – Lot 3537

FLINTLOCK OFFICERS PISTOL BY KETLAND & CO OF LONDON.

NSN. Cal. 60. 8″ Bbl with octagonal rear section marked “LONDON” and with London proofs, transitions to round through wedding band. Slightly chamfered lock with non-waterproof pan and bridled friction frizzen has flat faced, chamfered serpentine cock. Walnut full stock with flat sided knob grip is brass mounted. Trigger guard finial is a high relief acorn. CONDITION: Fair to good. Iron parts are a mottled brown to gray patina. Stock has many repairs around lockplate, and approx 4″ of forend is replacement, as is ramrod. Brass is a mellow mustard patina. Mechanically good. 31377-11 MGM26 (1,000-1,500) – Lot 3539

TOWER MARKED BRITISH MILITARY FLINTLOCK PISTOL.

NSN. Cal. 69. 9″ Tapered round bbl is unmarked. Lock with “GR” under crown and broad arrow proof has “TOWER” stamped on tail. Walnut full stock is brass mounted, and has capped knob butt. Trigger guard bow is deeply engraved with rack number “B/13”. CONDITION: Good. Steel parts gray to brown patina. Brass mellow yellow. Inspectors mark “GR” with crown is on left side of stock. Mechanically good. Frizzen has been re-steeled. 31377-30 MGM20 (1,000-1,500) – Lot 3540