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He produced both “flintlock” and “wheellock” (see the previous lot) air rifles for his wealthy clients. These advanced rifles would have been
primarily used for hunting by the nobility, and some examples were designed to be convertible for use with compressed air or black
powder. Some examples remain in European collections such as at Berleburg Castle and the Kranichstein Hunting Museum. The tapered
octagonal barrel has dovetailed blade and notch sights. The flat beveled lock is signed “WENZLAU/A EHRNBREITSTEIN/No 214” and is a
complete flintlock mechanism, but the barrel does not have a vent for use with black powder. The rifle is equipped with adjustable double
set triggers and brass mounts aside from the dark horn forend tip. The stock has some relief scroll carving and molding.
CONDITION: Fine with silver gray patina and minor oxidation on the iron, broken jaw screw, attractive aged patina on the brass mounts,
some cracks in the otherwise fine stock, distinct markings and carving, and mild overall wear. The set triggers and lock function fine. The air
mechanism has not been tested.
Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
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