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LOT 324
Extraordinary Gold Inlaid, Panel Scene Engraved, and Relief Carved Wheellock Sporting Rifle by Franz Xavier Zelner - NSN, 54 cal., 32 1/4 inch octagon bbl., blue/gold/bright finish, walnut stock. This spectacular rifle from Franz Xavier Zelner (also Zellner) in Salzburg in the early 18th century features stunning embellishment throughout. The seven-groove rifled, swamped octagon barrel features engraving on the face of the muzzle, gold inlaid decor around the dovetailed blade front sight and breech section, an engraved three-leaf brass rear sight, “FRAN: XA: ZELNER. IN. SALZBURG.” signed in gold inlay on the top flat, and a sunken maker’s mark at the breech. The flat lockplate has an internal wheel leaving a large canvas for the stunning chiseled and engraved patterns covering nearly all of the visible surfaces and even much of the interior. the majority of the patterns are complex interlacing scrollwork. The lock also features a very finely detailed scene from a large deer hunt with both mounted and unmounted hunters, and a pack of dogs subduing stags. A fox is also engraved on the side of the priming pan, a pair of dogs are on the plate on the dog spring, and the dog itself features a scene of Diana or possibly Selene and an armored youth. The lock is signed “FRAN: XAVERI:/ZELLNER/IN. SALZBURG” ahead of the pan. The brass furniture primarily features elaborate cast, engraved, and chiseled scrollwork. The pierced side plate includes a mounted hunter and his dog. The stock features a mix of incised and raised relief carved scroll patterns that coordinate with the metalwork. CONDITION: Fine with 60% original blue finish, bright gold inlays, dark sunken maker’s mark at the breech, mostly silver-gray patina on the lock, crisp signature and designs, and general mild overall wear. The stock is very good with distinct but lightly worn carving, some cracks and repairs, and general scratches and dings. The triggers need work. The lock mechanism is untested. Estimate: 15,000 - 20,000