EXCEPTIONALLY RARE EARLY STEEL MOUNTED LONG CONTINENTAL FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOL SIGNED INDISTINCTLY ‘C. TOAN’ (?) CIRCA 1655.

SN NSN. This is a true museum piece having been made only 40 or so years following the invention of the flintlock. The flat stepped lockplate is of an early form though displaying the sophistication of ‘bolting’. The signature is engraved in a cartouche under an angel. The pan and frizzen are of a type found on flintlock pistols from 1640. The simple but elegant steel triggerguard is similar in form to those of the magnificent pair of Dutch flintlock pistols by Jan Aerts sold by Sotheby’s London, Renwick Part 1, 17 July, 1973: Lot 37, 22,000 Pounds. The flattened ovoid butt and serrated steel buttcap are characteristic of mid 17th century Dutch holster pistols. The long barrel is octagonal at the breech, then 16 sided, ending in a ring before becoming round. The ramrod is held by one simple turned steel pipe. The fruitwood fullstock is delicately molded around the lock mortise and there is no sideplate only the suggestion of one, again a feature of early 17th century pistols. The lock is held by two sidenails as are the locks on the Jan Aerts pistols. Notes: Pistols from the mid 17th century very rarely appear for sale either publicly or privately and when they do they are almost invariably shortened or is such poor condition that they are not collectible. This pistol would be an excellent example with which to begin any display of flintlocks as it would represent the system in one of its earlier forms. PROVENANCE: James Milton, Rancho Santa Fe, CA; Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: The lock, cock, and frizzen are polished bright in the European manner and the engraving is somewhat worn. The buttcap is gray steel and the barrel is patinated brown with some wear to edges. The top jaw has left portion of rear retainer broken off. The stock is in very fine condition overall with expected minor imperfections with 5-3/4″ of muzzle portion restored. 4-49836 (6,000-12,000) – Lot 3487

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Auction: Firearms - Fall 2014

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
	3487	$3,540.00	EXCEPTIONALLY RARE EARLY STEEL MOUNTED LONG CONTINENTAL FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOL SIGNED INDISTINCTLY ‘C. TOAN’ (?) CIRCA 1655. SN NSN. This is a true museum piece having been made only 40 or so years following the invention of the flintlock. The flat stepped lockplate is of an early form though displaying the sophistication of ‘bolting’. The signature is engraved in a cartouche under an angel. The pan and frizzen are of a type found on flintlock pistols from 1640. The simple but elegant steel triggerguard is similar in form to those of the magnificent pair of Dutch flintlock pistols by Jan Aerts sold by Sotheby’s London, Renwick Part 1, 17 July, 1973: Lot 37, 22,000 Pounds. The flattened ovoid butt and serrated steel buttcap are characteristic of mid 17th century Dutch holster pistols. The long barrel is octagonal at the breech, then 16 sided, ending in a ring before becoming round. The ramrod is held by one simple turned steel pipe. The fruitwood fullstock is delicately molded around the lock mortise and there is no sideplate only the suggestion of one, again a feature of early 17th century pistols. The lock is held by two sidenails as are the locks on the Jan Aerts pistols. Notes: Pistols from the mid 17th century very rarely appear for sale either publicly or privately and when they do they are almost invariably shortened or is such poor condition that they are not collectible. This pistol would be an excellent example with which to begin any display of flintlocks as it would represent the system in one of its earlier forms. PROVENANCE: James Milton, Rancho Santa Fe, CA; Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: The lock, cock, and frizzen are polished bright in the European manner and the engraving is somewhat worn. The buttcap is gray steel and the barrel is patinated brown with some wear to edges. The top jaw has left portion of rear retainer broken off. The stock is in very fine condition overall with expected minor imperfections with 5-3/4″ of muzzle portion restored. 4-49836 (6,000-12,000) – Lot 3487 Click here to view provenance Auction: Firearms - Fall 2014 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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EXCEPTIONALLY RARE EARLY STEEL MOUNTED LONG CONTINENTAL FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOL SIGNED INDISTINCTLY ‘C. TOAN’ (?) CIRCA 1655.