Page 244 - 4094-BOOK1
P. 244
LOT 266
Rare Documented Left Handed Engraved and Gold Inlaid Marcus Zelner
Wheellock Rifle - NSN, 28 bore cal., 30 3/4 inch octagon bbl., blue/gold finish, walnut stock. This
rifle was built c. 1720 in Vienna by gunmaker Marcus Zelner (1683–1758). The swamped barrel has seven-groove
rifling, a dovetailed blade front sight and notch rear sight, gold inlaid scrollwork and “MARCUS•ZELNER•IN•WIENN” on
top on the breech section, and an engraved tang with a “1” among the designs indicating it was part of a pair. The flat lock has an
internal wheel and is engraved with a detailed scene of Diana, goddess of the hunt, surrounded by her retinue, hounds, and slain
game. The gilt brass side plate features Diana with a hound outside of a walled city surrounded by scrollwork with pierced accents.
The rifle is also equipped with adjustable double set triggers. The mounts are engraved and gilt brass, and the finger groove trigger
guard includes a “1” on the bow. The walnut stock has carved scrollwork, wood patchbox lid, and a large cheekpiece. Norman R.
Blank purchased this rare rifle from W. Keith Neal on July 27, 1962, (a dated tag is in the patchbox).
242 242
