Page 202 - 83-BOOK3

LOT 3369
Finely Engraved, Silver Inlaid, and Relief Carved Pair of J. Adam Kuchenreuter Percussion Target Pistols -A) J. Adam Kuchenreuter Target Pistol - NSN, 45 cal., 8 1/8 inch octagon bbl., blue/silver/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The Kuchenreuter family gunmakers were among the best in the Germanic states in the 18th and 19th centuries and traced their line back to gunmakers in the region in the 17th century. Members of the family remain active bespoke gunmakers into the 21st century. Johann Adam Kuchenreuter (1794-1869) was one of the most talented and most recognized members of the family and was active until his death in 1869. During his lifetime, he was the court gunmaker for both the Princely House of Thurn & Taxis of Regensburg and the King of Bavaria. This pair of pistols follow similar patterns as other Kuchenreuter target pistols and feature dovetailed blade front sights, key adjustable notch rear sights, “1” and “2” respectively just ahead of the rear sights, “I. ADAM KUCHENREUTER IN REGENSBURG.” in silver inlay on top of the barrels surrounded by silver scroll patterns on the upper flats, the Kuchenreuter maker’s mark on top near the breech ahead of dual silver bands, elaborate interwined scroll engraving on the remaining components, adjustable single set triggers, hammer stalls, bestial themed engraving on the hammers, coordinating incised and relief carved scroll patterns on the stocks along with flutes along the wrists, and blank silver wrist escutcheons. CONDITION: Fine with light aged patina on the silver inlays, strong original blue finish on the bottom of the barrel in the protected area, traces of original blue finish fading to smooth gray on the exposed areas of the barrel, light gray patina on the other components, and crisp engraving. The refinished stock is also fine and has distinct carving and minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. B) J. Adam Kuchenreuter Target Pistol - NSN, 45 cal., 8 1/8 inch octagon bbl., blue/silver/casehardened finish, walnut stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Fine with attractive aged patina on the silver inlays, strong original blue on the bottom of the barrel, traces of original blue on the exposed surfaces of the barrel which is smoothly faded to gray, light gray patina on the lock and furniture, crisp engraving, and minor overall wear. The refinished stock is also fine and has crisp carving, minor stabilized cracks in the breech section, and mild scratches and marks. Mechanically fine. Overall, a very attractive pair of target pistols by one of the best Germanic gunmakers of the 19th century. Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
LOT 3370
Joseph Egg and Johann Christoph Kuchenreiter Scratch Rifled Percussion Dueling Pistols -A) Joseph Egg Pistol - Serial no. 3058, 47 cal., 8 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The English generally required dueling pistols to be smoothbore, but some pistols, especially those later on, had hidden rifling (bores smooth near the muzzle) or very faint scratch rifling which increased accuracy. So long as both pistols were the same, these improvements would still be fair in a duel. The use of older barrels from the Continent, perhaps picked up while on the Grand Tour, might have shown off how worldly its owner was or perhaps they were from earlier pistols dear to the owner. Johann Christoph Kuchenreuter (Kuchenreiter) (1755 - 1818) was active until 1809 in Steinweg near Regensburg, Bavaria, and was a gunsmith for the court of the princes of Thurn and Taxis. His nephew Johann Adam Kuchenreuter took over the shop and also became a well-known maker. Joseph Egg (Jean-Joseph Egg) was the nephew of famed Swiss-born London gunmaker Durs Egg and had his own shop around 1800-1837 through various partnerships and left it to his sons. They are both marked “3058” inside the forends and on the trigger guard tangs. The barrels have light scratch rifling, blade front sights with “spider” bases, “I. CHRI. KUCHENREITER” and scroll patterns in silver inlays, Kuchenreuter’s gold maker’s mark of a knight on horseback over “ICK,” and patent breeches with platinum bands and plugs. The fixed notch rear sights are fitted to the upper tangs which have dense scroll engraving. The scroll engraved locks are marked “JOSEPH EGG, LONDON.” below the fish motif hammers. The furniture mostly has coordinating scroll engraving. The trigger guards are spurred and enclose single set triggers. The silver wrist escutcheons are inscribed with what appears to be a duke’s coronet over a crowned lion standing guard on a pedestal. The barrel key escutcheons are also silver. CONDITION: Very fine with 85% bright blue on the barrel and furniture, aged patina on the silver, traces of original case colors and otherwise gray and brown patina on the balance, minor oxidation, and light nicks and scratches. The stock is very fine and has crisp checkering, most of the varnish, and general light scratches and pressure marks. Mechanically excellent. B) Joseph Egg Pistol - Serial no. 3058, 47 cal., 8 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Very fine with 85% plus blue finish, aged patina on the silver, traces of original case colors mainly on the hammer, gray and brown patina on the balance, and general mild wear including some light oxidation. The stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering, strong varnish, and light scratches and pressure marks. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 5,500 - 7,500
200