Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #4094
  • Lot #3333
Lot #3332
Lot #3334

Lot 3333: Pair of Flintlock Holster Pistols by Surber of Wiesbaden

Chiseled, Engraved, and Carved Pair of Flintlock Holster Pistols by Surber of Wiesbaden

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 4, 2025

Lot 3333: Pair of Flintlock Holster Pistols by Surber of Wiesbaden

Chiseled, Engraved, and Carved Pair of Flintlock Holster Pistols by Surber of Wiesbaden

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 4, 2025

Estimated Price: $5,000 - $8,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

A) Surber Flintlock Pistol

Manufacturer: European
Model: Flintlock
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 20 bore
Barrel: 13 1/8 inch round
Finish: bright/gold
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 500
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 224
Class: Antique
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and has some minor streaking and oxidation.
Description:

These pistols date to c. 1730 and were sold to Norman R. Blank by Arthur Yates around July 1964. Yates's description for the pair reads: "An extremely fine pair of long horseman's flintlock pistols (20") signed by SURBER in WISBADEN. These 'Berain' style pistols are of a particularly refined nature for German work and have a lot of French quality. The mounts are of gilded bronze done to stylized foliage with a Roman head on the sideplate and a grotesque butt. The locks are nicely engraved and in the finest condition both inside and out. The barrels are truly a work of art in that they are chiseled for one third their length with stylized foliage and a grotesque against a finely pebbled ground. This work is of the highest quality. The condition of the pair is excellent plus." In addition to what Mr. Yates wrote, we note that the pistols feature etched Damascus barrels with blade front sights with flush "spider" bases, flat locks with beveled edges, faceted priming pans, and "SURBER A WISBADEN" signatures as well as a boar on the tails behind the cocks and Diana engraved at the center; wrist escutcheons with coronets and lion supporters, "No 42" and "No 43" respectively stamped on the walnut stocks near the toes, relief scroll carving, and horn forend caps. The wooden ramrods also feature horn tips.

Rating Definition:

Very fine with silver-gray and gray patina on the lock and barrel, most of the bright gilt finish remaining on the mounts, crisp engraving and chiseling, distinct markings, and minor wear. The stock is also very fine and has crisp carving, insect damage to the horn end cap, minor dings and scratches, and faint cracks and repairs. Mechanically fine.



B) Surber Flintlock Pistol

Manufacturer: European
Model: Flintlock
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 20 bore
Barrel: 13 1/8 inch round
Finish: bright/gold
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 500
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 224
Class: Antique
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and has some slight streaking and oxidation.
Description:

As described in "A." Provenance: Arthur Yates; The Norman R. Blank Collection

Rating Definition:

Very fine with mainly gray and silver-gray patina on the lock and barrel, most of the bright original gilt finish remaining on the mounts, distinct engraving and chiseling, crisp markings, and minor overall wear. The stock is also very fine and has crisp carving, minor dings and scratches, and some faint cracks and repairs. Mechanically fine.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #193: European Flintlock Pistol

    Lot #678: Two Flintlock Pistols with Carved Stocks

    Lot #1168: Ornate Engraved Flintlock Holster Pistol

    Lot #1157: Engraved Belgian Flintlock Muff Pistol

    Lot #1169: Ornate European Flintlock Pistol

    Lot #185: Engraved Flintlock "Militarized Fowler"