Anton Vinzent Lebeda of Prague (1795-1857) was the gunmaker of Kaiser Franz Josef I and also counted other European nobles among his customers. His arms are recognized for high quality. These pistols certainly conform to that description. The locks are signed "LEBEDA/v PRAZE" in gold in engraved banners and have scroll and floral engraving. The etched pattern welded barrels are rifled and have turned down muzzles, dovetailed bead style blade front sights, "A.V. LEBEDA A PRAGUE." signed in silver on top, and silver bands at the breech. The casehardened breeches have scroll engraving and platinum plugs. The barrels and breeches have the serial number and "1" and "2" respectively on the bottom flats, the bottom of the wedge staples have matching larger "1" and "2," and the inside of the forends have "/" and "//" respectively. The standing breeches have blued screw adjustable notch rear sights, scroll and floral engraving, and "1" and "2" respectively in gold. The spurred trigger guards have the serial number on the tangs and enclose adjustable single set triggers. The furniture is engraved with primarily floral and scroll patterns. The pommels have silver scroll and niter blue spire designs. The stocks are finely shaped and finished with glossy varnish and have checkered wrists and silver escutcheons. The closely fitted case has a Lebeda maker's markings inside the lid, pair of bullet molds numbered to the pistols, a matching numbered bullet starter, engraved patch tin, powder flask, adjustable powder measure, oiler, set of screwdrivers and nipple wrench, loading rod, and assortment of bullets and balls.

Fine with bright original gold markings on the locks, aged patina on the silver accents, strong case colors on the breech plug, nearly all of the bright original niter blue on the pommel spire, and light overall wear including spots of slight oxidation. The stock is very fine and has nearly all of the original glossy varnish, crisp checkering, and minimal light handling and storage marks. Mechanically fine. The case is good and has age and storage related wear, including some loose pieces of lining, a crack in the lid, and some pieces absent from the bottom edges. The accessories are generally very fine with minor storage wear.

See "A."

Fine with bright original gold markings on the locks, dark aged patina on the silver accents, strong case colors on the breech plug, nearly all of the bright original niter blue on the pommel spire, and light overall wear including spots of slight oxidation. The stock is very fine and has nearly all of the original glossy varnish, crisp checkering, and some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. This is a very attractive and high condition cased pair from one of Prague's most renowned shops. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.