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#1 |
(deceased)
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking
Posts: 4,310
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This Landsnecht combination weapon is an almost unique piece which was originally in the famous Meyrick Collection in Herefordshire and is illustrated in the 1830 Skelton/Fincke catalog.
After being "guest" in such esteemed private collections as Robert Curzon Baron Zouche of Haryngworth (sold Sotheby's London, Nov 10/11 1920, lot 110), Edward Hubbard Litchtfield (sold Sotheby's London, Dec 5, 1951, lot 79) and Herbert G. Ratner jr. (sold Christie's London, Nov 20, 1991, lot 138) afterwards and illustrated in three more books (for details, please see list in one of the pics), it has been in my collection since the Christie's sale. About 3 inches are missing from the rear end of the beechwood stock which is drilled out to receive the ramrod, and one of the four wooden pan covers is missing as well. Otherwise it is in fine, perfect patina overall. Interesting enough, only one single very similar piece in known to have survived (apart from a few later, decorated samples, one originally in the Counts of Giech collection) but is nothing more than a fragment now, with all the thorn rings and the muzzle cover and spike gone. It is preserved at the Hermitage, St. Petersburg and I attach the only available, very poor photo. Enjoy. Good to be "back" though I never really left you. Michael Last edited by Matchlock; 16th January 2009 at 05:45 PM. |
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#2 |
(deceased)
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking
Posts: 4,310
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The rest.
Provenance and illustration referrals second from bottom, the Hermitage piece bottom. |
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#3 |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 93
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very intresting piece never seen anything like it before.
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#4 |
Lead Moderator European Armoury
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Portugal
Posts: 9,694
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Fantabulous piece.
Such a rare combined weapon, worthy of the greatest collection. My mouth was wide open for so long that my jaw joints are aching. ![]() Fernando |
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#5 |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 9,879
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Truly amazing Michael!!! Your photographic treasury is priceless, and this piece looks like it really meant business....never thought of a one barrel, let alone four barrel. It has always interested me that the early pistols, being single shot of course, were designed to use as clubs when the charge was spent.....this would be dramatically the same concept.
Looks like a Landsknecht 'pepperbox' ![]() Thank you, and welcome home!!! ![]() All the best, Jim |
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#6 | ||
Lead Moderator European Armoury
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Portugal
Posts: 9,694
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![]() Quote:
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![]() Fernando |
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#7 |
(deceased)
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking
Posts: 4,310
|
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Thank you both, Fernando and Jim,
"Landsknecht pepperbox" is no doubt the very best term I've ever heard, Jim - great! Fernando, I cherish your idea of surprising an appoaching enemy by flinging the cover open just in time to make him look into these four "promising" holes - before they will issue the balls! ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Michael |
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