Wheel-lock pistol

The etched and gilded decoration on the barrels of this pistol and its pair (acc. no. 5188.1) was added to the gun in the 19th century. It is of poor quality and covers original simple engraved lines and a maker's mark.

The decoration was based on that found on the lock of this pistol, which is actually from an earlier weapon. An enterprising dealer must have repaired this pistol and 'improved' the appearance of both guns to make an attractive pair. For more on fraudulent gun decoration in the 19th century, see acc. no. 3467.

Phillippa Plock, 2016