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LOT 1356
Scarce Scrimshaw Inlaid Wheellock Hand
Mortar/Grenade Launcher
- NSN, 1 3/4 Inch gauge, 12 1/4 inch round
bbl., bright finish, hardwood stock. Firearms like this are most commonly found in European museum collections and are rare on the public market. They were mainly manufactured in the 17th century and are often identified as hand mortars or grenade launchers, but it is believed many, especially the ornamented examples, were actually used for launching fireworks. The brass multi-stage barrel is decorated with rings and a band of floral scrollwork. The antechamber for holding the powder charge on this example is around .72 caliber while the main bore for the projectile is around 1 3/4 inches. The lock has no visible markings and has light engraving. The fruitwood stock is inlaid with staghorn and engraved with fruit, scrolls, bestial motifs, and figures on the roundels on either side of the butt probably representing a German furst and his wife. CONDITION: Very good overall with aged patina on the brass, mottled gray patina and some mild pitting on the iron, some cracks and repairs in the stock, a few replaced inlays, some chips, and general mild overall wear. The lock has not been mechanically tested. Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 1357
Ornate Engraved Germanic Sporting Crossbow - Similar Germanic crossbows are known to be dated to the mid 18th century although it is difficult to declare this example to be one of these with any degree of certainty. The iron prod is decorated with cord wrapping, with yellow and gold paint over the fastening cord, exposed bowstring, and a small “sunwheel” pattern stamped on the right rear. An iron loop is mounted on the front, with fine bone inlays over much of the surface and fine decoration, including a perched eagle on the cheekpiece, floral motifs, border lines, and a horn buttplate. Fitted with a folding rear sight and double set triggers. CONDITION: Fine. The wood shows some light cracking concentrated near the hook, with light scratching and handling marks overall. The prod shows a mixed brown
and gray patina, with mild spotting and some wear and replacement of the decorative cord. Mechanically untested. Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
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