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LOT 1263
Early 18th Century Engraved, Gold Inlaid, and Relief Carved Johann
Caspar Rudolph Wheellock Rifle - NSN, 58 cal., 32 5/8 inch octagon bbl., blue/gold/bright
finish, walnut stock. This ornate rifle is being de-accessioned from
the famed George F. Harding Jr. Collection at the Art Institute of
Chicago (reference number 1982.3310) and was previously in
the collection of Ambrose Monell (1873-1921) of Tuxedo Park,
New York. The Art Institute identified Austrian gunmaker Johann
Caspar Rudolph as active 1705-1720. The swamped octagonal
barrel has seven groove rifling, a dovetailed blade front sight,
dovetailed notch rear sight with second folding leaf, “JOHANN
CASPAR RVDOLPH” signed in gold inlay on top behind the rear
sight, gold inlaid scroll designs at the muzzle and breech, and
a figure and animals in gold at the breech. The flat lock is unsigned and
features extensive engraving including a stag hunt scene on the rear, Diana with hounds and a putto towards
the center, a hunter with a rifle and hound on the dog, and scrollwork, including on the interior. The gilt brass mounts feature
additional hunting scenes, scrollwork, and shell designs. The stock features a horn forend cap with contrasting bands and relief scroll carving.
CONDITION: Very good with traces of original blue in the protected areas of the barrel as well as most of the gold inlay, brown patina on the balance of
the barrel, gray patina and distinct engraving on the lock, mild oxidation and pitting, mostly aged patina on the brass mounts, repaired heel of the buttplate, broken
front trigger, and general mild overall wear. The stock is also very good and has crisp carving, a spliced forend, holes on the right above the lock, added brass plate on
top at the breech, and mild wear. Not mechanically tested.
Provenance: The Ambrose Monell Collection; The George F. Harding Jr. Collection; The Art Institute of Chicago.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
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