Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 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.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 3149

Lot 3149:0

September 11th, 2016|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 3149

Lot 3149:0

September 11th, 2016|Rock Island, IL
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$25,000 - $35,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Incredibly Rare 16th Century Wheel Lock Pistol Marked "A S" Made for the Trabanten Guard of the Elector of Saxony

This pistol dates to the brief reign of Christian I (r. 1586-1591) and likely remained in use during the reign of his young son Christian II (r. 1591-1611). The barrel is struck with an "A" on the upper left flat at the breech and "S" on the upper right flat. The barrel itself is part-round and part-octagon with a 15mm bore, decorative bands, and additional engraving patterns at the breech and front of the octagonal section. The heavy, flat lock plate has a plain wheel cover and is embellished with lightly engraved borders. The ebonized walnut stock has stippled surfaces overall to resemble natural stag horn and is set with bone/stag inlays embellished with scrolls. The large ball butt is set with a silver roundel engraved with the bust portrait of a classical male wearing a burgonet (almost certainly depicting the Roman god Mars). The pistol is from a noted group of similar weapons partially dispersed near the end of WWII. Other examples have appeared since being dispersed as late as 2015. Their historical link to the Trabanten Guard (Body Guards) of Elector Christian I has made these pistols highly sought-after. Members of the guard would have defended the elector wherever he went, including into battle. The Saxon Army had 172 Trabant Horse Guards and 65 Trabant Foot Guards in 1682 and likely similar numbers during Christian's reign from his father's death in February 1586 until his own death at the age of 30 on September 25, 1591. Their pistols were manufactured by multiple gunmakers but generally follow nearly identical form. Their ornate nature was important since these weapons would be seen at court.

ConditionFine with expected light brown toning and overall grey patina to metal parts. There are some handling marks on stock and other areas of aged wear.
Details
ManufacturerUnknown
ModelWheellock
TypeRevolver
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge15 mm
Barrel12 7/8 inches
Finishbright
Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views1583
Catalog page78
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 3314Ornate Damascened and Engraved Wheellock Pistol
View Lot
Lot 291Large German Wheellock Sporting Gun with Double Dogs
View Lot
Lot 1257Ornate European Wheellock Rifle
View Lot
Lot 1449Armi Perazzi DHO Double Barrel Sidelock Shotgun
View Lot
Show More