17th Century Spanish Holster Pistol

An attractive long  holster pistol made in Madrid  early 17th century.

This handsome pistol carries the armourer’s gold mark “P.STBVA” under a crown in the style of the Madrid gunmakers of the 1680-1795 period, with the heavy crucifix found on period pieces. It is fully stocked in European walnut and fearures a cannon-style three-stage barrel, the first of which is octagonal in the Italian style and which contains the gunmaker’s marks. The barrel is 14mm calibre with a faded blue finish and gold-lined touch hole. The lock and  pan are beautifully chiselled and bear the maker’s name “PASQVAL” while the top of the ornate frizzen bears a gold seal depicting a fortified castle. The butt cap is in faceted brass and bears a well-defined grotesque mask, while the remaining furniture including trigger guard, thumb plate, lock plate and finial are engraved with floral motifs and bas relief busts in the Italian style.thimbles . The ramrod is of wood.

This Spanish pistol is an excellent example of the period by a quality gunmaker and would make an fine addition to the collector’s portfolio.