Numerous works of art in the spring sales at Van Ham in Cologne come from the extensive legacy of Friedrich Wilhelm Waffenschmidt (1925-2017), founder of one of Europe’s leading electronics retailers.
Among the star lots at the May 16 auction of European Works of Art is a pair of exquisite flintlock muskets. The 3ft 3in (1m) long walnut muskets are decorated in gilt brass and mother-of-pearl. On the stock of one is a mother-of-pearl medallion with the Prussian eagle, and on the other a finely executed portrait of Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel-Bevern (1715-97), who was married to the king of Prussia, Frederick the Great, from 1740-86. Thus it can safely be assumed that these muskets were closely connected to the Prussian royal family.