Brothers Georg and Wilhelm Pistor were part of the Pistor family of gunmakers and were active together crafting fine arms in the 1830s to 1850s in Schmalkalden in what is now the Free State of Thuringia in central Germany. The swamped Damascus barrels are each signed "G. & W. PISTOR IN SCHMALKALDEN" in gold inlay and have eight-groove rifling, dovetailed German silver blade front sights, golden loop patterns at the breech, and silver bands at the muzzle and breech. The bottom of the barrels and breech plugs have "11981/G&WP" and the lower right flats have rampant lion and "NR" markings. The standing breeches have adjustable notch rear sights and are gold inlaid with "1" and "2" respectively. The locks are discreetly signed "G. & W. PISTOR" at the front and have rotating hammer stalls, and the side plates have "IN SCHMALKALDEN." The pistols also have adjustable single set triggers and spurred trigger guards. Aside from the barrels, the various components have scroll engraving and detailed borders, and there is also a stand of arms design on the trigger guard. The stocks have finely carved bestial heads at the forend tips, checkering with scroll carved accents on the wrist, floral carving around the edge of the pommels, and steel caps. They come in very attractive figured hardwood case with "G . & W. Pistor/in/Schmalkalden" inside the lid and interior closely fitted to the pistols and the set of matching accessories (bullet mold absent) which include rods (tips absent), mallet, cap/ball container, powder flask, screwdriver, nipple wrench, powder measure, patch punch, and rear sight adjustment key.

Fine with distinct Damascus patterns, light gray and brown patina, bright gold, some minor spots of oxidation/discoloration, and natural aged patina on the bands on the barrel; 40% original case colors on the lock and furniture, crisp markings and engraving, and generally only minor storage wear. The stock is very fine aside from a reglued chip on the left by the side plate and has crisp checkering and carving, smooth oiled finish, and a few minor dings. Mechanically excellent.

See A.

Fine overall with bright gold inlay, aged patina on the silver, distinct Damascus patterns, minor discoloration, and gray and brown patina along the barrel; 40% plus original casehardened finish (most vibrant on the butt), distinct markings and engraving patterns, crisp carving and checkering on the stock, some minor dings and scratches, and mostly only minor handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. With the exceptions noted above and some chipping at the lower edges, the professionally restored, relined case and accessories are very fine and have mostly minor storage related wear. Overall a very attractive cased set by a pair of talented German gunmakers. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.