Extremely Rare German Flintlock Sword Pistol Signed G. Ulrich Circa 1680

An Extremely Rare German Flintlock Sword Pistol Signed G. Ulrich Circa 1680.

18 and 3/8th inch double edged blade showing great age and exhibiting old European cleaned corrosion. 6 and 1/2 inch flat along the spine. The pistol barrel 5 inches in length with cannon muzzle, twin ‘wedding rings’ and octagonal breech. 45 caliber bore rifled with 7 deep grooves.

The breech engraved on the flat with a fantastic rendition of a crocodile with a curling, devilish pointed tail. The under flat engraved with maker’s name “G. Ulrich”. A Georg Ulrich is listed in Stockel in Newmarkt, Salzburg: 1626 though this date is too early. Stockel is not infallible and dates are frequently incorrect.

The hammer is chiseled in relief with a spray of foliage consistent with the 17th century date. The external mainspring is also consistent with an early date. The steel hilt with fine stag horn scales is typical for a 17th century short sword with recurved quillons (one missing) and large round counter guard with plain spring in steel plate.

The lock mechanism is fine on both half and full cock. Bore is fair. 23 and 3/4 inches overall. Genuine 17th century flintlock pistol swords are exceptionally rare and most date from the latter half of the 18th century. German examples are even rarer as most are later French and English pistols.