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Ornate Chiseled Germanic Flintlock Sporting Gun with Gilt Mounts
and Spanish Style Barrel - NSN, 20 gauge, 37 3/4 inch part octagon bbl., blue/bright/gold finish, walnut stock. The smoothbore, three-stage, blued
barrel has a silver blade front sight with inlaid “spider” base, chiseled girdle
at the first transition point, faceted designs at the rear transition point,
gold inlaid scroll patterns at the breech, and a series of sunken gold lined markings and designs at the breech including a double headed eagle and
a “crown/O/INAZ/BARZ/INA.” imitation maker’s marking for Ignacio Barzina/ Barcina who is recorded as active in Madrid c. 1736-1749. The bright barrel
tang features a “2” among the designs indicating the gun was part of a set.
The rounded lock features raised relief engraved/chiseled martial trophy and scroll designs. The mounts are gilt brass with floral and scroll designs. The stock features fine molding and raised relief carved scrollwork along with a wooden trigger guard and cheekpiece. Though not signed, the gun is believed to have been made by Leopold Becher of Carlsbad, Bohemia, gunmaker in 1726-1727 to Johann George Christian, Furst Von Lobkowitz (1686-1755), Field Marshall, and Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece. In “Der Neue Stockel,” Heer notes that Becher was an outstanding master gunsmith and produced fake Spanish barrels complete with false maker’s marks.
CONDITION: Fine with bright gold inlays and 60% original
blue finish on the barrel and mostly smooth gray and brown
patina on the balance, a few patches of oxidation/pitting,
mostly bright lock and tang with crisp engraving, and bright gilt brass mounts with crisp designs throughout. The inside of the lock has been cleaned, and the mainspring is old replacement. The stock is also fine and has crisp carving and molding, a few small cracks, and some scattered small dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
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LOT 3246