A magnificent cased pair of deluxe 14mm percussion continental target pistols by A.V. Lebeda, Prague, no visible serial numbers, circa 1845, with blued octagonal 9 1/2in. rifled barrels, blind narrow flutes to the angles of the flats, the top-flats signed in gilt script A.V. LEBEDA A PRAGUE, fully engraved breech-blocks in the white, moulded nipple-bosses, dove-tailed bead fore-sights, adjustable notch rear-sights, the engraved top-tangs numbered 1 and 2 respectively, rococo scroll engraved hump-backed locks with dipped tails signed LEBEDA to pistol No.1 and A. PRAGUE to No.2 and also featuring engravings of lyre-players and nymphs, the detail accentuated in gold, en-suite hammers, walnut half-stocks finely relief-carved with raised rococo scroll-work to the grips and fore-end tips, the grips also with central finely chequered panels, engraved domed butt-caps with central spires, spurred trigger guard bows engraved with the figure of Dionysus holding the staff Thyrsus with a leopard draped over his lap, engraved oval barrel-key escutcheons, both pistols in fine order with much finish remaining and in their makers presentation mahogany veneered case (some mild lifting and repairs), the case lined and compartmented in the Continental manner in green baize and retaining the complex-shaped ebony lidded compartments with turned bone handles and a full suite of original accessories including horn loading mallet and handled tools, powder flask, Boche, Paris snail capper, mould and loading rods, the exterior with moulded and carved hook close and central lock (with key) Provenance: Antonin Vinzenc Lebeda was one of, if not the finest, gunmaker ever to have come out of Bohemia. Born in 1795, his skill as a gunmaker quickly became evident after selling rifles to the Royal Household for a sum approaching that of the best English makers. So the story goes, the then Prince Kamil Josef Filip Idesbald Rohan was always asking why no Bohemian gunmaker could produce weapons of the quality made in England at the time. Lebeda took up the challenge, but did not know what to charge the Prince. A pair of Bohemian shotguns could be bought for a few guldens, a fine English rifle for around 95. Initially thinking he would ask around 40-50 guldens for his rifle, by the time he had got to the court and the Prince had enthused about his rifle at great length, he decided to ask the Prince 90 guldens. The Prince positively exploded at the insolence, but Lebeda informed him that not only was it the best rifle he was ever likely to hold, but it was still 5 guldens cheaper than the English equivalent. The Prince had to agree and many nobles at the court ended up ordering similar pieces too. Soon Lebeda was appointed Royal Gunmaker and his shop continued to trade, now operated by his sons, until 1888.