Per the Royal Armouries in the U.K.: "Johann Baptist Contriner was born in Tyrol, perhaps in Essling. He became a master gunmaker of Vienna ('Bucchsenmacher Meister') on 7 August 1825, and his name appears in the city records until 1837." He is known to have manufactured advanced arms such as Girandoni system repeating air pistols and pairs of pill-lock pistols with built in primer magazines linked to the hammers. Each time the hammers are cocked, they are primed. The magazines and upper tangs have "1" (A) and "2" (B). The rifled barrels have dovetailed blade front sights, "JOHANN. CONTRINER. IN. WIEN.," gold plated breeches, golden "CONTRINER" maker's marks on the breech plugs, and two-leaf rear sights (one standing, one folding) is on the upper tang. The locks have "CONTRINER" at center, floral engraving, and birds near the tails. The pommel plugs also have birds and floral patterns. The trigger guards have engraved floral and martial patterns and spurs, and the pistols have adjustable single set triggers. The side plates are bestial mask designs. The stocks have Schnabel forend tips, scalloped border checkering, and swelled pommels. The case has brass fittings, green lining, a paperboard tube, mallets, rod, horn flask, bullet mold, and an adjustable powder measure.

Fine with 50% original brown finish and visible twist patterns along the barrel, 85% plus original gold at the breech, 60% original case colors (strongest at the breech), 85% plus original blue on the trigger guard and upper tang, crisp engraving, spots of minor oxidation, and minor age and storage related wear. The stock is good and has crisp checkering, glossy finish, a few thin cracks, light edge wear, and some general light scratches and marks. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are very good and have mild storage wear such as aging and some staining of the lining and patina on the mold.

See "A."

Fine with 60% original brown finish and visible twist patterns along the barrel, 70% plus original gold at the breech, 70% original case colors (strongest at the breech), 70% original blue on the trigger guard and upper tang, a few spots of minor oxidation, crisp engraving, and minor age and storage related wear. The stock is also fine and has crisp checkering, glossy finish, a tension crack at the lock screw, light edge wear, and scattered small scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. This is a very interesting pair of early 19th century pistols from the period of transition from flintlocks to the percussion systems. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.