Collectors of antiques dream of finding rare weapons that have been exceptionally well-cared for. This concept is perhaps best represented by the term "one owner car" in the antique vehicle market; which invokes an antique lovingly protected by a single, faithful custodian over generations.
While the age difference prevents a direct "one owner" parallel in the antique gun world—firearms are centuries older than classic cars—the underlying search for sentiment remains. Collectors of antique weapons often seek out guns that have been held in the same family for generations or in a singular collection for decades.
The reasons for this preference are simple. Antiques kept "off the market" for a significant portion of their existence are generally more original and better preserved than those passed through numerous hands - the more owners an antique has had, the more likely it is that at least some of the subsequent owners may have attempted some degree of ill-advised "restoration," such as refinishing or part replacement, in a misguided attempt to "improve" their investment. However, in reality, it is the guns that are "untouched" and in good honest condition that command premium prices.
It is for this reason, that we are proud to present the guns from our latest acquisition, which directly speaks to the collector's dream: this collection was amassed by a single family in the 1920s and 1930s and was immediately placed into a museum, where it remained until we acquired it late last year. For nearly a century, these guns have been off the open market and under the professional care of a museum. This means the vast majority of these weapons are untouched and completely original; while those do show evidence of repair work, having had this work completed during the late 19th and early 20th Centuries! These are authentic time capsules, which we have chosen to present complete with their original, neatly applied museum ID numbers as a testament to their history. (The numbers can be easily removed with acetone, leaving no damage, but we believe they enhance the story.)
This particular piece is a wonderful example of a Spanish Miquelet "Belt Pistol" that dates to the 1750s.
Despite the fact that Spain controlled nearly two thirds of what is now the modern United States until well into the 19th Century, modern collectors tend not to think of Spanish weapons when they consider "American Colonial firearms". While Dutch Fowlers, French pistols, and British Brown Bess muskets, all fetch large sums on the modern market, Spanish guns tend to remain over looked. This is likely because "New Spain" primarily covered the Southwest portion of the U.S, which was an area that remained quite "wild" until well into the 20th Century. Because of this any Spanish weaponry that was utilized in this area was used often used for generations, as it was difficult to obtain modern replacements. There are numerous accounts of early White Settlers in America's western territories during the mid 19th Century who encountered Indian warriors wearing Spanish armor and carrying Spanish escopetas that dated as far back as the 16th Century. Naturally the incredibly long service life of these Spanish colonial pieces meant that they eventually degraded to the point of becoming unusable and were simply discarded. By comparison, the Eastern portion of the U.S. was settled rather quickly; meaning that Colonial guns from this region were generally used for sporting purposes rather than subsistence or self defense; meaning Eastern pieces are often found in barely-used condition.
As mentioned, this belt pistol was made in the mid 18th Century based on its overall design and delicate carving (later guns are generally more plain; with comparatively less engraving and carved embellishments). The lack of proofmarks on the barrel suggests that it may have been one of the guns made by gunsmiths in Mexico City; the Capitol of Spain's colonial empire in the New World. By the middle of the 18th Century, Mexico City was a thriving metropolis, complete with several gunsmiths that were assembling weapons from a mixture of imported components and custom locally-made parts.
This particular pistol is in excellent condition. The miquelet lock functions correctly with a solid half and full cock and a stout main spring.
The stock is very nice and features wonderful carving around the lock and tang areas. Structurally, the stock is in excellent shape with no real damage other than a repaired split in the forestock. The repair was done in-house using modern epoxy, so we can personally attest to the fact the repair is solid and and stable, and won't flex or open back up when handled.
The barrel is full lengths and measures about 8" overall. The bore is about .54 caliber and is in good condition with a fair, uncleaned bore.
The furniture is intact and in great shape; including the original belt hook.
This is the perfect pistol for a Colonial American/18th Century buff. Sure everybody has a European fowling piece in their collection but who has a Spanish blunderbuss pistol? This one is sure to be a conversation starter.
