A fine Saxon Military Flintlock Holster Pistol dating to the reign of Augustus III (1733-1763)
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Price: £2,750
Ref: 62042669
Item Description
A very fine, scarce and well made Saxon cavalry flintlock pistol dating to the middle of the 18th century. It dates to the reign of Augustus III who was King of Poland, Grand Duke of Lithuania and Elector of Saxony (1733 – 1763). Augustus was supportive of Austria against Prussia in the War of the Austrian Succession (1740 – 1748) and in the Seven Years War (1756 – 1763) which resulted in Saxony being defeated and occupied by Prussia. Augustus died from a stroke at the end of this period. The pistol dates to these wars.
The pistol is an imposing piece of higher quality than the more usual military arms of the time most likely made for one Augustus’s Guards Regiments. The barrel has a sighted tang and sighting flat along the top and brass front sight. It is struck with a Saxon proof mark at the breech, “AR” conjoined, underneath a crown for “Augustus Rex”. The mark is repeated on the stock near the tang as a mark of quality and acceptance similar to proofing. The same mark is found on Royal Meissen porcelain of the period. Meissen is in Saxony.
The flat bevelled lock has a dog catch which engages with the back of the cock in the half cock position as an extra level of security. The pan is unbridled. The working parts are firm and crisp.
The full walnut stock is well figured and moulded around the tang, sides and fore end. The brass mounts are well formed and consist of a scroll side-plate with engraved foliate eagle-head and pierced foliate tail, a cast and chased crowned vacant escutcheon between crossed palm branches, a faceted spurred pommel with iron suspension loop, a protective finial to the fore end, ribbed and faceted ramrod-pipes and a tapering ramrod with a brass cap.
Until recently the pistol was part of the collection of Robert Booker in the USA (collection inventory number 559) who is a respected authority and accomplished author on early European pistols. The above description is based upon his collection catalogue entry.
The pistol is a fine example with negligible wear. The barrel is 14.5 inches (36.5 cm) long and overall the pistol is 22 inches (56 cm) long.
