Handsome pair of European flintlock muff pistols, no serial numbers, .40 caliber, 3 3/8″ part octagon barrels with flared muzzles. These are diminutive guns that measure just under 7″ in total length with extensively embellished metal and stocks. The barrels have deeply stamped, gold-filled fleur-de-lis and maker’s marks at the breeches, and extensive deep relief scrollwork decorations on the swan-necked hammers. The relief embellishment continues on the silver sideplates, crowned wrist escutcheons (one of which has been ground smooth), trigger guards, and grip pommels. The walnut stocks are also beautifully carved with flowing scrollwork embellishments matching the designs on the metal. There are scattered minor handling marks and blemishes in the wood, as well as a break at the rear of the forend on one of the pistols. There are what we presume to be the maker’s name along the bottom edges of the lockplates, but they are difficult to make out. They seem to read, “M:GVTATTE,” but we have so far been unable to identify the maker. That being so, the pistols definitely have a French look, so it is probable that they are Gallic in origin.
As antique guns these will transfer without any restrictions.
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