{"product_id":"original-french-louis-xiv-museum-quality-pair-of-flintlock-turnover-over-under-pistols-by-mayer-of-lyon-circa-1645","title":"Original French Louis XIV Museum Quality Pair of Flintlock Turnover Over-Under Pistols by Mayer of Lyon Circa 1645","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Items: One-of-a-Kind Matched Pair. Offered here is an extraordinary pair of early French flintlock turnover pistols representing the absolute pinnacle of 17th-century firearms innovation, artistry, and aristocratic craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade circa 1645 by \u003cstrong\u003eMayer\u003c\/strong\u003e of Lyon, these magnificent pistols were produced during one of the most important transitional periods in firearms history, when the newly developed true flintlock mechanism was beginning to transform European arms design. Combining advanced mechanical engineering with the finest Baroque decorative artistry, they represent the type of luxury arms created for the highest levels of European society.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDating from the early years of the reign of Louis XIV, the legendary “Sun King,” these pistols come from the era when France was emerging as Europe’s dominant center of military power, fashion, and artistic influence. Fine firearms were not merely weapons during this period, but symbols of wealth, education, status, and personal prestige among noblemen and military leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduced by the accomplished gunmaker Mayer of Lyon, these pistols reflect the extraordinary quality associated with France’s elite 17th-century arms makers. Lyon was one of the most important centers of fine arms production outside Paris, and its master craftsmen produced firearms that combined practical innovation with the decorative standards expected by the French aristocracy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComparable early turnover pistols by noted Lyon makers are today preserved in major museum collections and are recognized as rare surviving examples of the “Wender” or rotating barrel multi-shot system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasuring an impressive 26 inches overall with 18.5 inch barrels, these pistols are remarkable both in scale and execution. Their elegant proportions, complex mechanisms, and elaborate decoration place them among the finest examples of early French luxury firearms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beautifully figured stocks display exceptional form and craftsmanship, terminating in elegant ebony butt caps decorated with finely inlaid ivory buttons. Such expensive materials and labor-intensive details were reserved for arms of the highest quality, produced for wealthy patrons rather than ordinary military use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe steel trigger guards and deeply sculpted side plates are lavishly decorated in relief, displaying remarkable Baroque imagination and artistry. Each pistol features unique scenes of mythical sea monsters and fantastical creatures, reflecting the fascination with classical mythology and exotic imagery common among elite European decorative arts of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe locks are equally impressive, richly engraved with detailed martial scenes celebrating combat and heroism. The intricately pierced hammers are true works of miniature sculpture, depicting mounted bare-breasted Amazonian warriors engaged in battle with exotic beasts. These dramatic designs showcase not only the technical skill of the maker, but the artistic ambition expected from the finest presentation-quality arms of the 17th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mechanical design is equally extraordinary. Each pistol features an over-and-under rotating barrel assembly, with each barrel having its own beautifully engraved frizzen decorated with delicate floral motifs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen placed at half cock, the trigger guard can be depressed, releasing the barrel assembly and allowing it to rotate, bringing the second loaded barrel into firing position. During an era when the overwhelming majority of pistols provided only a single shot before a lengthy reloading process, this ingenious system allowed the pair to deliver four shots before reloading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis represented a tremendous tactical advantage and made such advanced firearms especially desirable among cavalry officers, noblemen, and wealthy individuals who demanded both function and prestige.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the greatest indicators of true bespoke craftsmanship is found in the decoration itself. These pistols are not simply duplicated copies of one another. Instead, the engraving and carving are complementary artistic compositions, with each pistol displaying individual scenes and details while remaining part of a perfectly matched pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis level of hand craftsmanship demonstrates that these were not ordinary firearms, but commissioned works of functional art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreated during the age of Cardinal Richelieu, Cardinal Mazarin, and the rise of Versailles, these pistols represent the world of early Bourbon France, when military achievement and artistic excellence became inseparable expressions of royal and aristocratic power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew firearms from this early period survive today, and complete matched pairs of this quality are exceptionally rare, particularly outside major institutional collections. Their combination of early true flintlock technology, multi-shot mechanical innovation, exquisite Baroque decoration, and remarkable preservation places them among the finest examples of 17th-century French arms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn extraordinary museum-quality pair of Louis XIV era pistols and unquestionably one of the most historically significant early European firearms sets we have ever offered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA centerpiece acquisition for the most advanced collection of antique arms, European decorative arts, or 17th-century history.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":26172795141,"sku":"ON2236","price":99995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ON2236__1A.jpg?v=1764335189","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-french-louis-xiv-museum-quality-pair-of-flintlock-turnover-over-under-pistols-by-mayer-of-lyon-circa-1645","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}