"DESCRIPTION: This is an utterly magnificent example of this combination weapon, a true museum piece in every sense of the word.  A pistol sword essentially is a sword with a pistol attached usually alongside of the blade. It differs from a rifle with bayonet in that the weapon is designed primarily as a sword and the firearm component is typically considered a secondary weapon, designed to be an addition to the blade rather than the sword being a secondary addition to the pistol. In addition, the two components of the weapons typically cannot be separated, unlike most bayonet fixed rifles. Historically, some early flintlock pistols were constructed as gun-swords with the barrel of the pistol attached to the side of the blade of a short sword or dagger. A shell guard protected the firing mechanism when it was employed in battle or in the hunt. These combination weapons were used by German and French hunters to kill wounded wild boar.  Examples of these hunting weapons can be found in the armory of Wawel Castle at Krakow, Poland and several great ones can be see at the Jagdmuseum in Munich. Their collection is the best. Hunting with this type weapon was mostly enjoyed by royalty or landed gentry; such fine hunting weapons such as these were not used by the peasant class. These items were masterfully made by the finest weapon cutlers of the age. They were very expensive in their time thus their usage was pretty much limited to the rich and affluent. This magnificent example that we offer is exceptionally well made with straight blade. The grip is covered in ray skin. The clamshell guard that protects the action is in brass with a central human figure with a bull that may have been a riding mount within “poetic saga.” This could possibly be the familiar portrayal of Europa with the bull. To each side of this pair are figures of mythical men that would put you in mind of Hercules or the Titans. These figures are all very worn (good wear) from many years of usage. The blade shows some engraving of game, deer and boar that are also quite worn down; there is also some vestige of Celtic or Teutonic design at the base of the blade. The D Guard and the finial are also in decorated brass. The weapon undoubtedly dates from the early 18th century. The flintlock pistol that is attached is of steel and is engraved with a running wild boar nicely offered in typical artistic style of that century. The firearm component is finished like a fine weapon not crude like other specimens we have seen. The pistol is signed F Schunke in Bingen -- this would be the hamlet of Bingen am Rhein. The entire mechanism functions perfectly, the gun is in practically perfect condition with the engraving on it much finer and very noticeably un-worn, unlike the sword.  This is because the gun is virtually protected from wear by the clamshell guard and was not exposed to the wear that the sword was. This weapon in German is a Hirshfanger: the traditional sidearm of the German hunter. Only a few were ever made in this combination style and thus are extremely rare and seldom found today."