Wheellock pistol known as the 'Forget-me-not' pistol, 1585 (walnut & mother of pearl)

Of fine quality, the wheellock is chiselled and gilt with a satyr, a human-headed and bird-bodied monster, and a grotesque mask. The arm of the dog is formed as a merman. The dog spring and pan cover release button are missing and the bearing plate of the wheel is a restoration. Walnut stock with down curved butt of what is commonly known as petronel form, inlaid with decoration in white and green stained stag horn and mother-of-pearl consisting of running foliage inhabited by human figures, birds, centaurs and satyrs. In addition the stock is inset with a number of silver medallions embossed with human and grotesque masks, two miniatures of bearded men, one wearing an open coronet, painted on ivory and set beneath rock crystal. This richly decorated weapon was almost certainly intended for show rather than for use.Although it has a lock of German form it was probably made in France.