The Emperor Charles V's Fine Pair of Augsburg Wheellock Pistols, ca. 1550-55
 

The barrels bear the double-struck falchion mark of Christoph Arnold, Augsburg.

Please also cf.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7364

esp. threads #5 ff.


This stunningly elaborate and highly decorated pair was made in Augsburg for the Habsburg Emperor Charles V and still is preserved in finest original condition, showing all the contrasting colors of the High-Renaissance period, with the iron parts all etched, blued and fire-gilt.

The portrait on the pommel plate is that of the Emperor himself. Attached please find a painting that was believed to be by Tizian but is now attributed to Lambert Sustris; it portrays the Emperor in 1548.


The rather large-cut engraved bone inlays are characteristic of the 1550's period, and so are the Biblical scenes; on the back strap of the grip you will see Adam, and Eve with the apple, and the two under thre tree with the Serpent in the Garden of Eden.


In the Garden of Eden, honey ...! (Iron Butterfly) :D :cool: :eek:


Best,
Michael

Fantabulous.
Where will they be now, Michl ?

To be deleted ...

I am afraid only God knows, Dom 'Nando.


They were in the William Goodwin Renwick and the Clay P. Beford collections; the images are from the book Decorated Firearms 1540-1840, by Wallace B. Gusler.

I learned that they were sold from the Bedford colln. in the 1990's; the asking price was over 1 million USD ...


Best,
Michl