30 - EUROPE, 18th century

EUROPE, 18th century Large saddle pistol (composite). Flintlock, signed (illegible), with a swan-neck hammer and flat sides. Barrel round at the muzzle, tapering to a square profile toward the breech, bearing four gilded arquebusier’s hallmarks. Interrupted band before the barrel. Smoothbore. Caliber 15 mm. Engraved copper-plated brass breech block. Stock and barrel in walnut, partially molded and carved with fleurons at the rear of the lock plate and counterplate, and with palmettes behind the breech tail and the fore-end. Barrel nose piece in bone. Engraved brass fittings, which appear to have been added later as they do not match the wood’s grain, including the spiked pommel, the thumb piece in an asymmetrical cartouche, the openwork counter-plate decorated with a wild boar, the trigger guard featuring a flaming pot, and the second ramrod holder. With a wooden ramrod featuring a bone tip, which appears to be an aftermarket addition. Barrel length: 35.5 cm - Overall length: 49.8 cm. Cocked hammer locked in place. As is. Wear, stains, scratches, chips, and a few cracks; oxidation on the barrel.