This pistol was manufactured circa the mid-19th century in Munster, Germany. The barrel has gold inlaid bands at the breech and has "JOS. KRUSE IN MUNSTER." in gold on top. It has a dovetailed blade front sight, notch rear sight, adjustable single set trigger, spurred trigger guard, and walnut half stock with fluted grip and intricate Germanic scroll and border carving in relief. Aside from the barrel, the metal components are engraved with complex Germanic scrollwork engraving with interwoven animal heads and floral motifs. Note for example the small eagle head behind the front upper tang screw that is very similar to the designs of Gustave Young. Just ahead of the front sight is "No. 2" indicating this pistol was part of a two gun set. The left side of the stock towards the rear flat has a small inlay with a coat of arms consisting of a seven pointed crown over a shield with crowned rampant lions on the upper left and lower right and double headed eagle motifs on the lower left and upper right. The latter was a symbol of the Holy Roman Empire and the German Confederation. It is likely the coat of arms of one of the many German princes during the mid-19th century. Kaiser Wilhelm I chose the single-headed German royal eagle in 1871 for the imperial coat of arms of the German Empire (1871-1918). The consignor states that this pistol was given to Annie Oakley by Wilhelm II around 1887. Oakley is said to have shot the ashes off the tip of the future Kaiser's cigarette circa 1892 at Wilhelm's insistence. Oakley initially denied the stunt took place, but then later said that had she missed the shot that could have prevented WWI.

Very fine. The barrel retains 95% of the original blue and gold finish underneath a protective layer. The lock and German silver furniture have a brown tone from the same protective coating. There are a few minor marks throughout mostly at the edges. The stock is fine with a few dings, dents, and light scratches. The beautiful carving and engraving patterns are distinct. The lock and set trigger functions fine.