German Wheellock Puffer, Pistol, Late 16th C

Description

Featuring browned 13 3/4” (35 cm) octagonal-to-round barrel of approximately 15 mm caliber, with swamped muzzle and decorative engraving at breech and mid-section. Massive lock with flat lockplate, external wheel, sliding pan cover, dog-leg cock, and engraved wheel cover. Blackened wooden full stock with large ball butt, checkered over its entire surface and inlaid with engraved bone plaques, medallions, bands, and fore-end cap. Plain iron trigger guard. Wood ramrod with engraved bone tip. While not of recent make, we believe the stock is not the original; some inlays replaced. Lock with scattered patches of light to moderate pitting. Mechanism not tested. This type of pistol was carried by the Saxon Electoral Guard, examples of which often sell for over $20,000. Overall length 24” (61 cm).