Fine And Rare (likely) French Wheel-lock Holster Pistol Circa 1595

14 inch octagonal sighted barrel. 52 caliber. The flat lock plate with external wheel stamped with an “S”, held by a finely chiseled and fluted stud. Sliding pan cover. The ‘dog’ or cock of fine form with fluted arm. Elegant shaped steel trigger-guard pierced with eight lozenges. Finely formed hexagonal steel butt-cap.

The fruitwood full stock of typical French form with delicate narrow wrist fluted at butt ensuite with the butt-cap. Horn tipped ramrod. Condition is fine for a wheel-lock of this period. The barrel polished in classic European museum fashion. The lock is crisp. The fruitwood stock with extremely minor old repairs which do not detract but guarantee authenticity.The bore is good.

Although French wheel-locks typically have a mainspring under the action held by a central steel pin the refined form of this pistol suggests a French gunmaker. 21 and 3/8th inches overall. All internal parts appear original and functional though not tested. A really fine wheel far superior to the composite German examples usually encountered,