A pair of cased, chiselled and gold-inlaid percussion pistols, W. Hanau, Gera, circa 1850 Octagonal barrels of fine rose Damascus steel with patent breech blocks and hair-rifled bores in 10.5 mm calibre. Adjustable rear sights and dovetail front sights, on the barrel tops a silver framed cartouche with gold-inlaid signature "W. HANAU IN GERA". Double gold-inlaid and blued snails chiselled in the form of dragon heads and numbered "1" and "2", respectively. The long tangs chiselled with scrolling flowers and a dragon and with gilt base. Gilt back-action percussion locks chiselled with flowers, forward set triggers. The walnut stocks finely carved with scrolling foliage and featuring blued, chiselled and gold-inlaid iron furniture. Length of either pistol 38 cm. In velvet lined, veneered wood case with complete accessories and key. In the lid the gold embossed company logo "Fürstl. Lobenstein- Ebersdorfer etc. Hofbüchsenmacher W. Hanau in Gera" divided by a coat of arms. The exterior of the case with some veneer damage. Dimensions 46.5 x 35.7 x 7.5 cm. Probably never shot, superb pair of pistols in mint condition. W. Hanau, Gera/Saxony, mentioned around 1850. Condition: I - II