Exceptional Central German Wheel-Lock Belt Pistol (Puffer) Circa 1570, Perhaps Brunswick

With swamped two-stage barrel engraved with bands of leaves at the breech and muzzle (faint) struck with a barrelamith’s mark
(incomplete) together with a small rosette mark, struck twice, ebonized wooden full stock boldly carved in relief over its entire surface comprising broad-leaf 
foliage in a running pattern over the side and tied sprays over the upper and lower surfaces, an emerging demon mask opposite the lock and about the barrel tang, and compressed pommel carved en suite
and a profile head of a helmeted soldier within a cabled rondel, iron trigger-guard, bar side-plate fitted with a belt hook and later horn fore-end cap and ramrod.
 
This pistol belongs to a distinctive series characterized by their carved blackened stocks. The most closely related examples are in the Musee d’Art et d’ Histoire, Geneva.
In comparison, this pistol is the most elaborate.
 
Very fine overall condition.
 
Provenance:      Dr. Robert Amalric Collection, France
                         
Barrel;              16 1/4”
 
Overall:            24 1/2”
 
Price:             $37,500-