This pair was manufactured c. 1730 by J.H. Bartholomeus of Zella St. Blasii, Thuringia. He may have been the Hans Bartholomeus that began his apprenticeship in 1676 in Vienna (see "Der Neue Stockel" p. 60). They are signed "I.H./BARTHOLOMEUS./A. ZELLA." on the locks and have very attractive etched Damascus barrels with rounded silver blade front sights on sighting flats, side flats on the breech sections, and raised plateaus on top at the breech end. The breech end of the barrels, the barrel tangs, the locks, and the furniture are all relief chiseled with scroll patterns with gilt backgrounds. The style of the scrollwork is typical of the Late Baroque style and features prominent "C" scroll elements. The nicely figured stock features raised relief scroll and floral patterns by the ramrod entry pipes and upper tangs, nicely shaped tear drop flats, nice molding, attractive figure, and horn forend caps. Ramrods with contrasting tips are fitted beneath the barrels.

Very fine with strong original gilt finish in the backgrounds, crisp engraving and maker's marks, distinct etched Damascus patterns along the barrel, mostly bright lock, and mostly smooth gray patina on the balance with isolated patches of minor oxidation/pitting. The stock is also very fine and has crisp carving, attractive figure, minor scratches and dings, a couple tiny chips and repairs, and smooth oiled finish. Mechanically fine.

See "A." Provenance: The Tom Lewis Collection

Very fine with distinct etched Damascus patterns along the length of the barrel, crisp engraving with strong original gilt finish in the backgrounds, distinct maker's marks, mostly bright surfaces on the lock, and smooth gray patina on the balance with isolated patches of minor oxidation/pitting. The stock is fine and has crisp carving, general minor scratches and dings, thin repaired crack on the left above the trigger, attractive figure, and smooth oiled finish. Mechanically fine.