VERY FINE MATCHED PAIR OF SAXON ELECTOR GUARD WHEEL LOCK PISTOLS, EACH DATED 1588.

VERY FINE MATCHED PAIR OF SAXON ELECTOR GUARD WHEEL LOCK PISTOLS, EACH DATED 1588. SN NSN. These pistols are in virtually as issued condition from 1588. The elector guard wheel lock pistols represent the glory and majesty of the Royal Saxon Court. These were carried by enlisted men and officers of the guard and stored in the Saxon armory. They came in several grades. The enlisted man’s grade featured stocks stamped in imitation of stag horn with a simple stag horn inlay on the butt with the crossed swords of the Saxon arms. The higher grade, as these are, has a silver rondel cast and chased with a figure of Mars, the God of War, in full armor. The highest grades for royal officers have silver rondels, but the wheel covers are gilded and the inlay just before the ball is a silver band rather than stag horn. Accompanied by an original 3-position spanner and screwdriver which is elaborately pierced with a wheel design. NOTES: These pistols are unusual because they are a true pair having the same date “1588” and the same maker’s name “IS” with a cross and heart. PROVENANCE: See Decorated Firearms 1540-1870 From the Collection of Clay P. Bedford, by Gusler & Lavin, pp. 124-125. Prince Ernst Heinrich of Saxony 1926. Bashford Dean. Stephen V. Grancsay, Brooklyn, NY. Frank E. Bivens, Jr., Mango Way, Los Angeles, CA. Clay P. Bedford. Peter Bedford. Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. Publications: 42 Year Scrapbook of Varitype Firearms by Theodore Dexter featuring the Frank E. Bivens, Jr. collection. “Decorated Firearms” by Wallace B. Gusler and James D. Lavin, pgs. 123 & 124. CONDITION: These pistols are in pristine original condition retaining much of their original very light bluing on both lock and bbl. The pans are blued inside. Pistols are unfired and would be called “mint”. All inlays are original and intact. Hammers retain their original polish. All parts are original. Virtually impossible to improve upon the condition of these pistols. 4-49802 MZ17 (40,000-60,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2013

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2487	$103,500.00	VERY FINE MATCHED PAIR OF SAXON ELECTOR GUARD WHEEL LOCK PISTOLS, EACH DATED 1588. SN NSN. These pistols are in virtually as issued condition from 1588. The elector guard wheel lock pistols represent the glory and majesty of the Royal Saxon Court. These were carried by enlisted men and officers of the guard and stored in the Saxon armory. They came in several grades. The enlisted man’s grade featured stocks stamped in imitation of stag horn with a simple stag horn inlay on the butt with the crossed swords of the Saxon arms. The higher grade, as these are, has a silver rondel cast and chased with a figure of Mars, the God of War, in full armor. The highest grades for royal officers have silver rondels, but the wheel covers are gilded and the inlay just before the ball is a silver band rather than stag horn. Accompanied by an original 3-position spanner and screwdriver which is elaborately pierced with a wheel design. NOTES: These pistols are unusual because they are a true pair having the same date “1588” and the same maker’s name “IS” with a cross and heart. PROVENANCE: See Decorated Firearms 1540-1870 From the Collection of Clay P. Bedford, by Gusler & Lavin, pp. 124-125. Prince Ernst Heinrich of Saxony 1926. Bashford Dean. Stephen V. Grancsay, Brooklyn, NY. Frank E. Bivens, Jr., Mango Way, Los Angeles, CA. Clay P. Bedford. Peter Bedford. Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. Publications: 42 Year Scrapbook of Varitype Firearms by Theodore Dexter featuring the Frank E. Bivens, Jr. collection. “Decorated Firearms” by Wallace B. Gusler and James D. Lavin, pgs. 123 & 124. CONDITION: These pistols are in pristine original condition retaining much of their original very light bluing on both lock and bbl. The pans are blued inside. Pistols are unfired and would be called “mint”. All inlays are original and intact. Hammers retain their original polish. All parts are original. Virtually impossible to improve upon the condition of these pistols. 4-49802 MZ17 (40,000-60,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2013 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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