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P. 299
LOT 322
Attractive Engraved Gilt Brass Barrel Wheellock Sporting Rifle - NSN, 65 cal., 27 3/8 inch octagon bbl., gold finish, relief carved hardwood stock. This unusual rifle dates to the mid- 17th century, and was later purchased by Norman R. Blank at
a Christie’s auction on 8th July 1980, lot 69. In the Christie’s catalog it was noted as coming from the collection of Prince Hohenzollern, Sigmaringen. The rifle has no visible maker’s marks. The swamped octagonal brass barrel has eight-groove rifling, blade front and two-leaf rear sights, panels of floral engraving, and a gilt finish. The flat lock has an enclosed wheel and is also gilded and decorated with punched floral patterns. The mounts are also gilt brass. The blackened stock has relief floral and martial trophy pattern carving and the collection inventory number “261.” in red paint.
CONDITION: Very fine. The mid-17th century barrel with clear engraving, retaining 85% plus gilding to the upper five surfaces,
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and some dents to the upper surfaces. Lock with crisp punched decoration, retaining 90% plus gilding, stem of dog cracked. Stock is fine with numerous scattered scratches and dings. Later ramrod. Mechanism not tested. Overall, an attractive and certainly unusual early rifle with a rifled brass barrel. Provenance: Hohenzollern Family Collection;
Schloss Sigmarigen; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
