Gents,
My old colleague Gary Southgate recently called my attention to a unique German Sch�tzen-pin being offered at auction. Gary and I have helped each other over the years and several of my finest pieces are due to G's generousity and true collector spirit. For those who know baz69, I think you'll agree he's a stand-up guy who'll go out of his way to help a fellow-collector ... just because. Thanks mate!
A very early shooting-king's (Sch�tzen K�nig) pin of some kind, possibly a hat-pin, never seen anything like this before? The early parts and assembly techniques are first-class throughout. The elongated, "V-shaped" pin is handcut and has the finest taper imaginable. The point is so fine and sharp it looks like a bee's stinger, perfect to the last millimeter. The decorative upper-unit is a double-struck stamping, details are minute and wonderfully crisp. The hand finishing around the sword grips and flag finial is quite good, nothing bent, broken or disturbed - a medal collector's dream come true. Whoever owned this previously kept good watch over it throughout the years. No silver content or maker-marks of any kind, however, no doubt silver in original patina and condition. Overall length, 4 3/4 inches.
The best is yet to come ... the oblong, central shield device is elegantly engraved on the rounded surface, "Sch�tzen K�nig 1835," with three additional engraver's florish-cuts, framing the chiseled sentiment. It looks Nouveau but it's a tad early for that by several decades.
(possibly Fancy-Schmanzy era?)
While writing this I've was informed by another well respected friend and fellow collector that this king's prize is an ornamental, touch-hole cleaning pin for a musket, black powder or percussion weapon. A lightweight silver chain would have been attached to the mounting ring, which would then be fastened to a bandolier, sash, or uniform.
For years my earliest shooting king's medal has been from the year 1865 and now this prize dates back thirty years earlier, so you can see my reason for being pleased. Still looks great for a hundred seventy-eight.
I'd be pleased to hear any additional thoughts you gents might have, I'm sure there are some early-firearms specialists among our readers? Please feel free to add ...
A German saying goes like this, "Ohne bruder kann man leben, nicht ohne Freund ..." One can live without a brother, but not without a friend .."
Good collecting and best regards!
Bill
