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He was active c. 1572-1591 in Dresden as a court gunmaker,
barrel maker, and Coburg armory inspector. In addition to
the rare engraved dogs, the flat lock is equipped with a
domed engraved gilt brass wheel cover. The inside of the
lock features an engraved bestial design. The single trigger
has an adjustment screw at the front and is enclosed by a
faceted iron guard with a ball at the rear. The fruitwood stock
has extensive bone/staghorn inlays intricately engraved with
bestial motifs, including a series of four masks along the
forend and serpents. The side plate features a two letter cipher
composed of a vertical letter “A” and a “V” flanked by the
numbers “7” and “6” along with scroll patterns. A pair of green
man style mask flank the barrel tang.
CONDITION: Very good with gray patina, extensive shallow
pitting throughout, most of the original gilt remaining on the
brass domed wheel cover, and general overall wear. The rear
barrel pin is incomplete. The stock is fine and has mild scrapes
and dings, some well-executed replacement inlays, and
general wear. The wheel mechanism has not been tested. Both
of the double dogs have good spring tension. Overall, this is a
very attractive, distinctive, and rare wheellock sporting gun.
Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500