^Lot 2408 GOOD PAIR OF SMALL SIZE FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS

WITH BARRELS BY KUCHENREUTER. Cal. 45 (both). S# NSN (both). The 6-3/8" file decorated swamped and rifled barrels are silver inlaid "Ioh. And. Kuchenreuter" on top flats in front of square gold poincon with horse and rider (definitely the mark of Johann Andreas the elder 1716-95). "V" notch rear sights on barrel tangs have flip-up second leaves marked "E28". Other silver inlays on barrels consist of simple scrolls from breech to flared muzzles with silver beads. Locks with deeply chamfered flat plates having rebated tails are fitted with serpentine cocks with small back sliding safetys, inset faceted pans, unbridled friction frizzens and feather springs with nicely filed bulbous finials. The backs of frizzens are nicely relief engraved. "HESS. A" "ZWEYBRUCKEN" is at the center of each lock (The Hess family of gunsmiths worked in Zweybrucken in the early to late 18th century, an "A" family member is not listed.). Stocks with birds head grips extend to muzzles with horn caps and are gilded bronze mounted. Nicely carved mouldings surround all elements. Mounts are Viennese in style with relief cast decoration of scrolls, trees and some animals. A jaeger is portrayed on trigger guard bows. Walnut ramrods with horn tips mount through gold plated bronze beaded pipes and matching thimbles. CONDITION: very fine. Metal with very old lightly cleaned surfaces with only some very light pin prick pitting. Stocks with most of their original finish with many marks and dings. Furniture retains most of its original gilding. Scratch rifled bores are very fine. Locks are good. Safetys not working. No noted cracks or loses to stocks. A very nice pair of early pistols. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of Nicholas Apergis. (01-27506/MGM). ANTIQUE. $3,000-4,000.