^Lot 2414 IMPRESSIVE PAIR OF LONG BARREL MID 18TH CENTURY

GERMAINIC HOLSTER PISTOLS WITH LOCKS SIGNED "MM". Cal. 60. S# NSN. The 15-1/2" swamped barrels transition from octagonal at breech through turned bands to 16 sided which continues to flared muzzles with brass front sights. Heavily chamfered locks with dramatically arched plates have file decoration as transition to rebated tails and are fitted with serpentine cocks, inset faceted pans, unbridled friction frizzens and fancy filed feather springs with foliate finials. The initials "MM" are in front of cocks. Burl walnut, heavy knob grip stocks extend to within 1/8" of muzzles and are pinned to barrels. Relief filed steel mounts are surrounded by nicely carved mouldings. Mounts include steel grip caps with long side spurs, chamfered trigger guards with foliate finials and multi-pierced scrolling side plates. Pierced crest plates of scroll form are at tops of grips. Hickory ramrods with bone tips mount through beaded and faceted steel pipes and matching thimbles. CONDITION: good. All metal parts cleaned to silver gray with some remaining pitting. Stocks retain nearly all of an old oil refinish with slight softening of carved detail; are sound and without losses. Some repairs are noted at barrel channels at front attaching pins and a crack across grip of one pistol. Bores are dark and pitted. Locks are operable; one lock is quite soft and will not hold at full cock. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of Nicholas Apergis. (01-27518/MGM). ANTIQUE. $2,500-3,500.