A handsome flintlock pocket pistol with turn-off barrel, ca. 1755. Overall length just under 14cm; Probably made for a boy. Walnut stock with floral decoration around the barrel-tang and trigger guard. Silver mounts with rococo scrollwork and foliage, the shaped sideplate decorated with a Chinese junk.
3,8cm long rifled turn-off barrel, the breech and tang decorated with gold scrollwork. Flat lockplate with maker’s signature: “Bourlier L’aine”. Good original condition.
Another piece by this St. Etienne gunsmith is recorded in Stoeckel: Haandskydevaabens bedoemmelsee, Vol. 1, page 47.
Provenance: Collection of Dr. Dagobert Runes, New York. Sold at auction by Sotheby’s, London, June 11th, 1964, lot 18 (illustrated).
Item B024. 4.200EUR.