A SCARCE & FINE COLONIAL PERIOD DUTCH FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOL by “J. DEPRE”, ca. 1720s: In overall fine untouched original flintlock condition. The octagonal to round, .60 caliber, 10 1/2″, smoothbore, pin-fastened, iron barrel with a wedding-band barrel-transition and a scroll engraved tang and breech. Molded and finely carved, nicely figured walnut fullstock with French-style baroque/rococo relief and incised carvings and a heavy bulbous butt: a delicate wrist and a relief carved floral bouquet around the tang. Deeply etched and engraved steel mounts with a long side stirrup butt-cap with an engraved rounded finial. Two, baluster-turned, ramrod pipes and a finely vine scroll-engraved serpent-form sideplate with its two sidebolts. The trigger-guard, en suite with a sculpted forward finial and an engraved bow. In original flintlock configuration: the rounded lock with a scroll engraved lockplate with clear “J. DEPRE” signature beneath the bridle-less powder-pan. J Depre/Deprez was recorded working in Maastricht, Holland ca. 1715-1730 (Please see “Der Neue Stockel”, vol. 1, pg. 286). In overall fine untouched original flintlock condition with a strong mainspring and fine timing: hammer-spur chipped. The barrel and lock with a steel-gray age patina, fine engraving and some light scattered discoloration and wear. The hardware with matching smooth steel surfaces with fine engraving and some expected light wear. The stock retains 85%+ finish with some minor handling marks, tight hairlines and minor chips. Fine lock with untouched smooth surfaces and a visible maker’s signature: in mechanically functional order. Retains its original wooden ramrod with its iron tip. A fine example of a Scarce Colonial Period Dutch Flintlock Holster Pistol, ca. 1720s. For similar examples, please see G. C. Neumann’s: “Battle Weapons…”. Overall length, 18″.
Images and description courtesy of Paul’s Antique Arms & Armour at: http://www.ambroseantiques.com/fpistols.htm