A Fine Pair of Flintlock Catalan Miquelet Pistols by Antonio Rovira of Igualada. 16” overall, 9 1/4” sighted barrel swamped at the muzzle, octagonal breech section with the barrelmaker's gold lined stamp ‘CAMS’, enclosed by seven silver wheatsheaf stamps, engraved barrel tang, Patilla lock fitted with engraved bevelled bridles, the inner face of the top jaw incised in the Ripoll fashion, the shaped lockplate struck with maker's stamp. Carved moulded figured walnut full stock decorated with engraved gilt brass mounts about the barrel tang and ramrod pipe, and side plate, fluted fore-end. Gilt brass long spurred butt cap with Neptune mask, florally engraved trigger guard. Steel belt hooks, original baluster bone tipped ramrods.
Circa 1760
Pistols in very good condition
Antonio Rovira (Ruira), recorded working in Igualda, gunmaker to King Fernando VI, and related to the earlier Rovira of Ripoll. The barrelmaker is a member of the Camps family, the stamp on these pistols is attributed to Manuel, of Barcelona.
See ‘Spanish Guns and Pistols’ by W.K.Neal page 98 for Makers stamps and ‘The Price Guide to Antique Guns & Pistols’ by Peter Hawkins page 23 for similar pistols by the same makers.