Matched pair of Rhein Metall, breech-loading target pistols. These magnificent, exhibition-grade pistols are gold inlaid and relief engraved with European walnut forearms and fluted grips. The pistols have adjustable target rear sights and single set triggers. The fluted barrels are blued with relief-engraved floral and cross-hatched designs on a stippled background. Intricate, gold, filigree designs are inlaid on the muzzles, breeches, sides and tops of the barrels. The top of each barrel is gold inlaid with the maker's name and address: "RHEIN.METALLW. U.MASCH. FABR.ABT. SOMMERDA GEWEHRFABRIK." on an oval panel with gold inlaid borders. The breech, side plate, hammer and backstrap have deep, relief-engraved, scrollwork panels with gold inlaid borders. The trigger guard and breech lever are blued with relief engraving and gold inlaid filigree. The screws and barrel wedge escutcheons feature fine engraving. The pistols are complete with a European walnut, French-fitted, velvet lined case and accessories. The case is lined with green velvet and contains: (1) a pewter oil bottle, (2) screwdriver with ebony handle and engraved steel blade, (3) engraved steel socket with ebony handle and (4) twenty-eight round, silver-plated bullet block with engraved borders. A cleaning rod that was originally part of the set is missing. This magnificent set of exhibition grade pistols represents the finest turn-of-the-century German gun-making and engraving skill. This is a one-of-a-kind set of pistols that displays unmatched craftsmanship and detail.

Excellent. Both pistols remain in exceptional condition and show only limited and careful handling. All of the blue finish is present on the barrels, trigger guards and backstraps. The gold inlays on both pistols are in nearly perfect condition. The casehardened finish on the breeches, hammers and lock-plates shows almost no wear. The bores of both pistols are in perfect condition. The only discernable signs of wear on the pistols are some very minor handling marks on the stocks and forearms. The case exterior is in very fine condition with some minor edge wear and storage marks. The velvet case lining is in fine condition. Wear is limited to several minor tears in the edges of the lower pistol compartment from contact with the front and rear sight. The case is complete with the exception of the missing cleaning rod. The exterior of the case is very good with exception of a warped lid and hairline crack. This magnificent set of gold inlaid, relief engraved, pistols would be impossible to duplicate today and represents one of the finest examples of German gunmaking.

Described in A.