A Fine and Rare 40 Bore South German Wheel-Lock Belt Pistol, circa 1560, perhaps Augsburg. Photo Thomas Del Mar Ltd

with swamped barrel formed in two-stages, octagonal over the breech, etched and gilt over its full length with a symmetrical pattern of fine scrolls and strapwork, the tang decorated en suite, flat lock retained by two side-nails (one replaced), engaging the belt-hook base plate, the outer surface etched and gilt en suite with the barrel, fitted with internal wheel with low domed cover etched and gilt with rondels filled with flowers, engraved pan with engraved sliding cover (release button missing, replaced with a later screw), engraved dog decorated with scrolls and a stylised monsterhead), fruitwood full stock inlaid with scrolling tendrils and hop leaves beneath the fore-end and opposite the lock, the latter involving a hare pursued by a pair of hounds, inset with engraved staghorn plaques decorated with foliage about the tang, a pair of pious figures on the grip (some inlay with minor glued repairs), fishtail butt of engraved bone, decorated on the respective sides with a man and a woman in contemporary dress and each within an architectural framework, engraved horn ramrod-pipe decorated with a regal demi-figure, engraved horn fore-end cap, steel belt hook, and original steel-tipped ramrod formed with a turnscrew, and remaining in fine condition throughout; 19.5cm; 7 3/4in barrel.

Provenance: Count Gayeski, Mgowo, Poland. 

Edwin J. Brett, sold Christie, Manson and Woods, 18-26th March 1895, lot 238.

The Lord Astor of Hever, sold Sotheby's London, 5th May 1983, lot 68. 
The catalogue states 'the whole preserved in exceptional condition'

Exhibited: Victoria & Albert Museum, London, 1958-73

Literature: Edwin J. Brett, A Pictorial and Descriptive Record of the Origin and Development of Arms and Armour, London 1894, plate CIV, no. 1.

Francis Henry Cripps-Day, A Record of Armour Sales 1881-1924, London 1925, p. 49, lot 238.

Claude Blair, Pistols of the World, London 1968, p. 88, no. 14. plate CIV no. 1. 

Thomas Del Mar Ltd. Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria Sale on Wednesday 5th December 2012 www.thomasdelmar.com