A pair of unusual flintlock repeating pistols by Emanuel Wetschgin in Augsburg, circa 1715 Octagonal barrels turning to round, distinctly swamped at the muzzles. Seven-groove rifled bores in 10.2 mm calibre. Dovetailed brass front sights. Brass frames, signatures "Fecit et invenit Wetschgi Augustae" finely engraved on the top. The flintlocks with engraved brass lock plates and box-shaped, self-filling pans. Iron pivot levers on the sides opposite the lock, the handles shaped like dragons. Lightly carved walnut half stocks with smooth brass furniture. The hinged butt caps with mascarons in relief, below which filling nozzles for powder and bullets. Both trigger guards engraved "No. 28". Length 51.5 cm each. Rare repeating system, the invention of which may be ascribed to Michele Lorenzoni of Florence in 1680, and to which Wetschgin made minor improvements. The chamber can be filled with powder and a bullet by pulling the loading lever. This also places the cock in the firing position and fills the pan with priming powder. A similar pair, also manufactured by Wetschgin, may be found in the collection of the Bavarian Army Museum in Ingolstadt. The gunsmith family Wetschgin (Wetschgi) worked in Augsburg from around 1690 - 1740. This pair was probably made by Emanuel Wetschgin, who is known to have been a gun maker from 1714 - 1728. See Stöckel, p. 1372. Provenance: Collection of Dr. & Mrs. Jerome Zwanger, Christie's, London, Auction 7291, lot 10. Condition: II