^Lot 4297 EARLY EUROPEAN FLINTLOCK BELT PISTOL.

Cal. 51. S# NSN. 18-3/4" overall. The unmarked 12" barrel transitions from octagon at breech to sixteen sided, then through turned band, to round. Very early flintlock with Miquelet styling features fancy outline cock bolted through to tumbler, inset faceted pan, unbridled friction frizzen and fancy filed feather spring. Lockplate has file decorated outline and is engraved with large floral scroll interspersed with monster's heads. Plain walnut stock with long flared grip extends to muzzle with steel cap and is pinned to barrel. Iron mounts include octagonal deeply engraved grip surround, simple trigger guard with file decorated bow and serpentine sideplate with fleur-de-lis finial fitted with 7-1/2" belt hook. Greenheart ramrod with turned steel tip and worm tail mounts through early style turned and slotted pipe with matching thimble. CONDITION: good to very good. All metal parts are cleaned to dark brown and gray with overall light pitting. Stock with old finish has many marks and dings and a few of repaired cracks along barrel channel. Bore is dark and rusted. Mechanically good. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of Nicholas Apergis. (01-27557/MGM). ANTIQUE. $1,500-2,250.