A PAIR OF SOUTH GERMAN LONG WHEEL-LOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS, CIRCA 1660
each with slender tapering barrel cut over its full length with a very narrow medial rib flanked over the breech by a pair of matching short ribs, plain lock retained by three side-nails and drawn-out to a rounded tail, the wheel fitted under the lower edge of the pan and additionally retained by a single small bracket, sliding pan-cover with button release and the dog-spring bridle decorated with a pair of scallop shells chiselled in low relief, each with fruitwood full stock, carved fluted fore-end bordered at its rear by a carved pattern of narrow flutes and ribs heightened at either end by a row of pewter nails, the respective stocks carved with differing stag-hunting scenes in low relief opposite the locks and with differing sporting figures en suite behind the barrel tangs, each inlaid with mother-of-pearl rosette washers under the side-nails, the butt inlaid with pewter ropework in imitation of a short-spurred pommel and inlaid with interlaced patterns of scrolling pewter tendrils carrying varieties of engraved mother-of-pearl flowerheads, the trigger-guard, ramrod-pipe and fore-end cap all of iron, and one pistol retaining its original ramrod (the stocks each with light worm damage throughout, one stock chipped slightly on one side of the fore-end, the other chipped extensively ahead of the lock, with shrinkage about the lock and with a repaired crack at the wrist. Several inlaid plaques missing from each stock, one ramrod missing, the other incomplete)
65.5 cm; 25 ½ in
(2)

The carved and inlaid treatment of the stocks closely resembles the work of the stockmakers of Schwäbish-Gmund. The figural subjects appear to be inspired directly from original engravings by Jost Amman, published in his Kunstbüchlin in 1599, and are consequently shown in late 16th century dress.