Walter Agnoletto 1/4 Scale Jacob Kosters Cased Matched Pair Of Ivory Stocked Dutch Flintlock Maastrich Pistols

This is a tiny 1/4 scale match pair of fully functional ivory stocked Dutch flintlock Maastrich pistols made by master miniature maker Walter Agnoletto of Italy.   This pair of miniatures is documented in the Fall 2002 issue of The Miniature Arms Journal of the Miniature Arms Society, and both are marked “W. AGNOLETTO” on the bottom breech end of the barrel which are only visible when the locks are removed.  Both are marked “J. Kosters”, “Maastrich” on the lockplates.  Mr. Agnoletto had access to the original full size antique pair of  Jacob Kosters pistols when making this pair of miniatures.  Jacob Kosters, originally from Germany, moved to Maastricht in 1651. He lived in the house known as Het Hangende Zwaard (The Hanging Sword) and was a member of the guild of merchants. Various craftsmen – barrel makers, stock makers and lock makers – supplied Kosters with parts that he assembled into complete weapons, which he then signed on the lockplate.  The original full size antique pair is thought to be circa about 1670.  Both miniature pistols are 4″ long overall with 2 1/8″ smoothbore barrels of .100 caliber.  The barrels are bored through to the touch holes.  Most of the metal parts are steel finished in the white.  Both pistols have a gold escutcheon inlaid into the top of the wrist, & two inlaid silver bands, tarnished to black, inlaid into the ivory butt just in front of the head.  Both have the typical carved helmeted warrior head on the butt.  One piece ivory stocks.  The ivory ramrods have a steel tip on one end and a steel worm on the other end.  The locks are extremely well made, especially considering their small size, and look as good on the inside as they do on the outside.  The hammers have both half & full cock with strong mainsprings and crisp actions.  Beautiful workmanship as is typical of Mr. Agnoletto!  There are several pairs of full size Jacob Kosters Maastrich pistols that I found on the internet by searching “Jacob Kosters Maastrich pistol”.  One full size pair is almost identical to this miniature pair, which I believe were the models for this fine pair of miniatures.  Complete with the original Agnoletto blue leather hinged top case with flip latch.  The interior bottom French fit & lined in a burgundy felt with a burgundy ribbon dust ledge border.  The interior lid padded & lined in a burgundy silk.  See a photo of a full size pair I found on the internet at the bottom of the photos.   Price:  $6,500.00.

This is a photo of the full size pair this miniature set was probably modeled after!  The full size pistols are 10 5/8″ long overall with 5 5/16″ barrels.  Much smaller than I would have thought & making the miniature set about 1/4 scale not 1/6 scale.