This pair of holster pistols were made for the Spanish Bourbon aristocracy by Catalonian gunmaker, Joseph Deop of Ripoll around 1790. The Deop family has a recorded history as gunmakers, in Ripoll, since the mid 16th century.
The so called Spanish ‘a la moda’ [ in fashion ] lock looks like a flintlock but operates as a traditional Spanish Miquelet lock with half and full cock sears pushing bolts through the lock plate to engage the cock. This type of lock became fashionable in some parts of Spain with the arrival of the first Spanish Bourbon king Felipe V in 1701.
The .67 caliber, two stage, smoothbore barrels with unknown barrel maker’s marks and Barcelona counter marks measure 10 inches, while the pistols measure 16 ½ inches each. The barrels have elaborately, engraved center bands that separate the octagonal and 16 faceted stages.
The locks and cocks are delicately etched and engraved with foliage on a dark background and signed ‘JOSEPH DEOP’. The mainsprings are very strong but have not been tested for functionality.
The elaborately cast and engraved brass furniture is in excellent condition. The side plates feature a cannon barrel with a drum and flags, while the trigger guard features floral motifs. The long-eared butt feature is a bearded angry face surrounded with floral motifs. The vacant wrist echelons also has a similar treatment.
The full length, relief carved, walnut stocks are in a good used condition. One stock is missing the rear barrel pin and the other a split near the muzzle. See photos.
The horn tipped rammers may be original to the pistols. Note that the rammer retaining spring has been dislodged in one of the pistols meaning that the rammer cannot be fully housed in the stock.
All in all, an unusual and fairly unique set of Miquelet pistols.
Sold as collector items only.
Price includes postage in Australia, layby available.