A wheellock puffer for enlisted men of the Saxon

The octagonal, smooth-bore barrel turning to round in 12.7 mm calibre. The mark "HS" between a stylised dagger stamped at the breech, before which the date "1564". The iron wheellock with a spring-loaded pan cover, closed wheel cover and spring-loaded lever. The finely studded, dark walnut stock with engraved, blackened bone inlays, the pommel plate bearing the Electorate coat of arms. The well-replaced wooden ramrod with engraved bone tip. A repair to the stock near the tang (probably carried out while still in use). The surface of the stock somewhat abraded in places. Length 62.5 cm.
Bearing the date 1564, this is one of the oldest known wheellock puffers. Two other specimens, with the same barrel marks and date were published in DWJ 2/1990, pages 187 - 191 and subsequently sold by Auktionshaus Kube, 90th auction, 24 October 1998, lot no. 1681.
Condition:II