This highly embellished pair of pistols marked for Johann Springer were likely manufactured shortly after he took over the shop of Mathias Nowotny in Vienna in 1857. Springer had worked for Nowotny for 15 years before the latter took his life, and he married Nowotny's sister in 1857. He went on to be a gunmaker for the court of Emperor Franz Josef. The shop continued on after his death in 1875 and remained renowned for their quality arms. The etched Damascus barrels are rifled and have dual gold bands at the muzzles, dovetailed blade front sights, "JOH: SPRINGER VORM: NOWOTNY IN WIEN" signed in gold on top, gold scroll patterns and bands at the breech ends, and "1" and "2" respectively on top at the breech and undersides. "1" and "2" are also in gold at the rear of the breech tangs. The patent breeches have platinum plugs Screw adjustable notch rear sights are fitted on the upper tangs. The locks are signed "WIEN" and "SPRINGER" respectively. Essentially full coverage engraving covers the outer metal surfaces with the exception of the Damascus barrels, wedge plates, and single set triggers. The designs include complex intertwining scrolls, masks, sphinxes, classical figures, and eagles. The figures vary slightly between the two pistols. For example, the sphinx on the first pistol is female, and the sphinx on the second pistol is male. The stocks have relief carved scrolls with foliate accents and ribbed wrists and are marked "VOLK" on the forends under the barrels. Blank silver escutcheons are inlaid at the top of the wrists.

Fine overall with bright gold inlay, mostly smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, crisp engraving and carving, dark aged patina on the silver, and minor age and storage related wear. The set trigger needs adjusted; otherwise mechanically fine.

See "A."

Fine overall with bright gold inlay, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, crisp engraving and carving, attractive aged patina on the silver, and some minor age and storage related wear. Mechanically excellent.