Research by Juan L. Calvo lists Don Ramon de Zuloaga y Ubera (1768-1848) as "the Master Examiner of the Royal Placencia Factory, the maximum hierarchy in that factory’s Guilds...Ramon de Zuloaga was, in Placencia, the first gunsmith artisan to produce weapons identifying him as the only maker..." and explains that the "M" is for his position as Master of the Guilds. The Spanish are known for making barrels from recycled horseshoe stubs which were believed to give the barrels more strength. These smoothbore pistols have "crown/M/ZULU/AGA" sunken golden maker's marks on the breech end of the barrel and trigger guard bow, "Zuluaga" signed on the lock, sunken golden floral marks on the upper flats, "CONSTRUIDO" (upper left), "DE HERRADURAS" (top), and "ANO DE 1817" (upper right) in gold inlay; gold inlaid floral scroll patterns on the upper barrel flats, band of chiseled floral patterns with gold backgrounds ahead of the transition point, gold band and vent liner at the breech, gold lined pan with chiseled mask, serrated frizzen, male face with gilt background on the cock, floral patterns with gold backgrounds on the tail of the lock and the furniture, floral and vase designed finials, and full-length stocks with raised floral carving and checkered wrists. The ramrods have horn tips.

Excellent with 97% plus bright blue finish on the barrel, most of the bright gold, gray patina and some light pitting on the lock and furniture, crisp engraving, and light age and storage related wear. The stock is very fine and has mild wear on the otherwise crisp checkering, distinct carving, some flakes at the edges, and mild scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent.

See "A."

Excellent with 97% plus bright original blue finish on the barrel, most of the bright gold, primarily gray patina on the lock and furniture, some light oxidation and pitting, and general light overall wear. The stock is very fine and has crisp checkering and carving, general minor dings and scratches, and minor handing and storage wear. Mechanically fine.