2528

RARE PAIR OF FLINTLOCK TURNOFF BREECH LOADING PISTOLS BY JACQUES LESCOUVE, PARIS, CIRCA 1681.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
RARE PAIR OF FLINTLOCK TURNOFF BREECH LOADING PISTOLS BY JACQUES LESCOUVE, PARIS, CIRCA 1681.
NSN. These rare early pistols have engraved locks with the maker's name, finely pierced and formed cocks with chiseled frizzens. Oct breeches give way to round turnoff bbls which are deeply rifled. Bbls are signed but somewhat obscured. Trigger guards are pierced. Sideplate engraved and naked couple embracing and monsters surrounding the lock screws. Short eared butt caps are of silver with recumbent swans and tulips. Expanded pierced flower at butt. Walnut stocks are inlaid with twisted silver wire in the form of tulips and flowers. NOTE: These early flintlock turnoff pistols were very powerful as there was no gap between bullet and bbl and consequently lead balls could fit very tightly. All 17th century flintlock pistols in unaltered condition are rare and these are no exception. Additional attractive feature is that these very pistols are pictured on page 31 in the legendary Peter Hawkins' The price Guide to Antique Guns and Pistols published in 1973. Sold at Christie's earlier and brought at the time the astonishing figure of 3,000 L which was $2.42 at the time. In Hawkins' book they are pictured with belt hooks, which have been removed some time within the past 40 years. PROVENANCE: See The Price Guide to Antique Guns & Pistols, 1973 & 1974, by Hawkins, pp. 31 & 2; see The Flintlock: Its Origin and Development, 1965, by Lenk, p. 80, PL. 54 #3. Christie's. Peter Hawkins. Raymond F. Petry, Chester Springs, PA. Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: Metal is cleaned and very lightly pitted, somewhat worn however all small parts appear to be original 17th century. Silver butt caps are relatively crisp. Losses to wire work, but mostly intact. Wood is fairly crisp with no significant losses. 4-50002 MZ48