A Rare Saxon 18 Bore Wheelock Holster Pistol (Puffer), of the Trabantan Bodyguard of the Elector Christian (1586-91), or Christian II (1591-1611). The pistol dated 1591. With blued slightly swamped two stage barrel, 33.5cm, overall length 56cm.

With lines on the muzzle, midpoint and in front of the breech, octagonal breech dated along the top flat and incised with foliage on the top flats at the girdle and rear of the breech. The left top flat deeply struck with a shield shaped barrelsmiths mark, a cockerel and plant, initials CH above the bottom flat with a rectangular stamp IIB (Neue Stockel 3380). Plain tang, flat lock stamped CH, and now case hardened enclosed wheel with flat cover. Sprung sliding pan cover with release button, formed as a screw.

Flat cock acting against the chiselled spring and pivoting button safety catch also acting against the chiselled spring. Blackened full stock stamped in imitation of natural staghorn and sparsely inlaid with white staghorn or bone panels engraved with blackened foliate scrolls. The panels each side of the tang en suite of the ball pommel, ending with bone engraved with the arms of Saxony and the hereditary Archmarshals of the Holy Roman Empire. Re blued iron trigger guard, horn fore end cap, ramrod pipe and trigger plate all engraved with blackened overlapping foliage. Original ramrod with tip en suite and in fine condition.

Provenance: The Saxon Royal Armouries Dresden John Haines, Iowa, USA. Raymond J Petty, Pennsylvania, USA Thomas Del Mar, Antique Arms and Militaria, 27th June 2004 lot 484. The Barrelsmiths mark appears to be unrecorded but it has been suggested that it is that of Clemens Han of Dresden. See R.E Brooker and H Lehrner, The Military Pistols of Saxony (American Society of Arms Collectors Bulliten No.71, 1975).