Lot 3318: 16th Century German Wheellock Pistol with Extensive Scrimshaw

Dated 1596, this Saxon pistol is mounted on a stock extensively inlaid with scrimshaw designs. The pistol can be categorized under the term "puffer," as it has a large ball butt. The spherical pommel features full coverage of a fine scrimshaw inlaid motif that alone incites admiration. The scrimshaw inlays around the lock screws are grotesque mythical nautical creatures. Other inlays are featured around the barrel tang, forearm sides, forearm underside and around the trigger. These inlays exhibit a mixture of floral, scroll and twisted rope patterns. Checkering fills in the areas of the stock not featuring inlays. The forend cap and ramrod tip also feature the scrimshaw pattern. The metal components are left in the white. Some of the action components have light and simple chiseled accents. The barrel is dated "1596" on the top flat, has engraved bands at the juncture of the octagon and round sections, the upper left flat is marked with the letter "B" surrounded by four circles, and the right has "D" surrounded by four circles (the marks of Baltwarar Dressler). The underside is also marked "B." Overall length is 24 1/2 inches.

Fine with later stock components. The pistol has an attractive bright appearance showing limited light flash type pitting. Trigger guard is broken at the front. The stock is fine with a few minor handling marks and worn checkering. All inlays remain and show a few repairs. A fine example of a puffer with extensive scrimshaw inlays dated from the late 16th century.