A rare pair of flintlock pistols by Daniel Thiermay from the property of the Duke of Wurttemberg

dating: about 1730 provenance: Paris, Smooth-bore, round, 13.3 mm cal. barrels, with square base in gilded bronze, with stamps of gunsmith Daniel Thiermay (Der Neue Stöckel 1085 and 5971), first part finely engraved with floral motifs, partially in bass-relief followed by a rib with long fore-sight among geometrical engravings. Engraved tangs and with sight. Very elegant locks with gilded bronze plate, finely engraved with floral motifs and with a bird's head. Iron cock (engraved with floral motifs), spring and batterie. Walnut, full stocks, finely embossed with finest, gilded bronze mounts, counter-plates pierced with busts and masks among the rinceaux, trigger-guards with bust, butt-plates with a big mask among the busts and floral motifs. Back with escutcheon with a crowned bust. Rear tang of trigger-guards marked with inventory number 'N. 5 R 20'. of the collection of Hessen-Darmstadt Dukes. These splendid pistols probably come from the Kranichstein hunting lodge which lived its most worldly existence during the reigns of Ernst Ludwig (1667-1739, reign 1678-39) and his son Ludwig VIII (1691-1768, reign 1739-1768). Both were passionate hunters, and this expensive hobby brought Hessen-Darmstadt close to financial ruin.Provenance:Collection of duke of Württemberg Inherited from the Prince of WiedDietmar Langer CollectionFor Daniel Thiermay see 'Der Neue Stöckel', vol. II, page 1276, gunsmith coming from Liege and documented in Paris from 1700 to 1740. length 53 cm.