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CAROLUS ZERMACK and JOHANN FISCHER PAIR OF SLOVAKIAN SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description
- silver, wood, steel
- 29.5cm; 11 5/8 in barrels
reconverted from percussion, with etched twist barrels decorated with silver-encrusted strapwork in the Turkish taste (small losses), silver fore-sights, engraved tangs numbered '1' and '2' respectively, signed dated engraved rounded locks, moulded walnut full stocks (one cracked through behind the lock), carved with scrolls about the tangs and mounts, full silver mounts cast and chased with scrolls in low relief, comprising side-plates decorated with trophies-of-arms and signed 'Carolus Zermack' on the inside, pommels with grotesque masks and flowers, trigger-guards with anthemion and Classical warriors, a pair of ramrod-pipes, vacant escutcheons surmounted by a German princely crown, fore-end caps, and silver-tipped wooden ramrods (one replaced)
Provenance
Sotheby’s, London 17th December 1990, Lot 77
Literature
Exh. Cat. Couven-Museum Aachen, 2003. no. 133
Condition
The barrels remain in good crisp condition, The locks have been reconverted as stated in the catalogue. One stock is cracked through ahead of the lock, other than this the stocks and mounts are in generally good condition. One ramrod is replaced.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Johann (Johannes) Fischer was born in Moravia. He is listed as a citizen and gunsmith on the civil registry of Bratislava on 11 April 1710, and was elected head of his local guild in 1732. His surviving works are evidence of his extraordinary skill. Several Hungarian museums have examples, and there is also a collection of his weapons in Vienna.
Carolus (Carl) Czermack came from the village of Brandy, near Prague, and trained in Vienna. It appears that he trained not only as a gunsmith, but also as a goldsmith. It is likely that he worked as a journeyman in Fischer’s workshop before he became a master and citizen on 11 March 1750. There are references to Czermack until 1777.
Carolus (Carl) Czermack came from the village of Brandy, near Prague, and trained in Vienna. It appears that he trained not only as a gunsmith, but also as a goldsmith. It is likely that he worked as a journeyman in Fischer’s workshop before he became a master and citizen on 11 March 1750. There are references to Czermack until 1777.