Original 1730s Silesian Polish Prussian Noble Gurowski Family Matched Pair of 22-Bore Flintlock Holster Pistols with Silver Mounts and Brass Barrels
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One-of-a-kind Matched Pair: An Offering from the Vault. Occasionally, we are privileged to present a matched pair of pistols drawn directly from the long-held personal acquisitions of company director Christian Cranmer, assembled over decades of dedicated collecting. This magnificent pair was acquired at auction from Christie's, London approximately 25 years ago, and has remained carefully preserved in the collection ever since.
This highly intriguing set of 18th century flintlock pistols originates from the historic region of Silesia—today largely within Poland, with portions extending into modern-day Czechia. During the 18th century, Silesia was a culturally complex region inhabited by both German- and Polish-speaking populations. Much of the territory was seized by Frederick II of Prussia during the War of the Austrian Succession, ultimately forming the Prussian Province of Silesia in 1815.
These pistols appear to predate that formal consolidation, yet they clearly exhibit strong Prussian influence. Both bear the coat of arms of the Gurowski (Górowski) family, a Polish noble lineage later elevated to the rank of Prussian Counts in 1687. The arms consist of a checkered shield surmounted by a coronet and crest, supported by crowned lions—beautifully executed in engraved and embossed silver and mounted prominently on the wrist of each pistol.
One pistol features the date 1692 arranged around the perimeter of the escutcheon, while the other is marked with the initials M G K P, likely of familial or heraldic significance—perhaps referencing a motto or lineage designation. While their exact meaning remains open to further research, they add an additional layer of historical intrigue.
Both pistols are lavishly mounted entirely in silver, an exceptionally rare feature, with even the lock plates crafted from solid silver. The pistol bearing the 1692 escutcheon is additionally marked with a “1” on the tang. The only other visible markings are silver hallmarks located on the right “ear” of each butt cap, consisting of a W within a heart alongside a C in a circle, identifiable as Breslau (modern-day Wrocław) silver marks dating to approximately 1727–1737. Breslau, the historic capital of Silesia, was a major center of craftsmanship during this period.
Accompanying these are the maker’s marks GK within an oval, which are attributable to the silversmith Gottfried Körner (recorded 1685–1722), further supporting an early 18th century date of manufacture.
Measuring 20 inches in overall length, each pistol features a 13 3/8 inch long heavy swamped brass barrel in approximately 22 Bore (.596 in./15.1 mm), which each have an applied silver sighting-flat bearing a silver blade fore-sight. The foliate engraved breech sections are each chiseled in relief with sprays of acanthus foliage, with additional foliate engraving on the tangs. Each flat beveled silver lock plate is engraved with stands of captured arms on a pebbled background, while the iron cocks, pans, and frizzens show some lovely strapwork engravings. The trigger guards and finials bear similar decoration, as do the spurred butt caps, which terminate in Bacchus-mask caps. The ramrod pipes are also of silver, and the perforated silver side plates show a foliate design with an eagle flanked by putti with trumpets. The full length stocks are made from beautifully carved highly figured walnut, possibly burl, and bear horn nose caps with white horn spacers between the wood. We see scrolls and strapwork on the stocks that is similar to the fittings, which flow together with the metalwork beautifully. Both have matching ramrods, which have the same white and dark horn caps at the end.
The pistols are really in lovely matured condition, having been gently cared for over the centuries. The engraved decorations are still mostly clear, and the highly embossed fittings show just a bit of tarnish and patination. We did check the locks, and both are fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, though we do not recommend checking to see if they spark, as the frizzens look to show a good amount of wear from such actions in the past. The stocks on both do show some past cracks and repairs, which is unfortunately almost a certainty when dealing with heavily figured wood. However, both stocks are fully stable. The wild grain lines that make it so beautiful also mean that the grain is often not oriented in the direction that gives it the most strength, so minor cracks are common.
This represents an exceptional collector’s opportunity—the chance to acquire a matched pair of truly unique Silesian flintlock pistols. Pairs of this quality and distinctiveness are seldom encountered, as examples such as these are typically held tightly within advanced collections and rarely offered on the open market.
The level of craftsmanship and labor invested in their creation is nothing short of extraordinary. From the fully silver-mounted construction to the finely executed heraldic elements, these pistols clearly represent a commission of significant prestige. It is highly likely they were once treasured possessions of the scions of the Gurowski (Górowski) noble family during the 18th century.
Specifications (Both):-
Years of Manufacture: Circa 1730
Caliber: 22 Bore (.596 in./15.1 mm) with Swamped Muzzles
Ammunition Type: Lead ball & powder
Barrel Length: 13 3/8 inches (34.0cm)
Overall Length: 20 inches (50.8cm)
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-loaded
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