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The swamped smoothbore barrel has a brass blade front sight, blue finish, octagonal breech section, “JOHANN HADISCH WEILER IN CARLSBAD” signed on top, and floral and border engraving at the breech. The chambers are engraved with different classical figures and scroll patterns. One figure is likely Athena/Minerva, another Selene/Luna, and the last appears to be a contemporary figure as she wears a broad hat with a feather. The upper tang has scroll engraving and a small female bust. The back action lock has a scene of a horsemen shooting a stag with a pistol as it is attacked by a pair of dogs and another man is in the background. It also has fine scroll patterns. The furniture is gilt brass. The trigger guard has a female bust on the bow. The sideplate has a high relief scene of a hunter shooting at a rabbit pursued by his three dogs in a detailed scene. The buttplate tang has a large high relief rendition of a classical figure playing a flute, and the back of the buttplate has incised scroll patterns. The short forend and buttstock have fine molding, raised
relief scroll carving, a horn forend cap, and nice figure.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with crisp engraving and designs, 70% original blue finish along the barrel, faded patches turning to smooth gray and brown patina, smooth gray patina on the lock and chambers, strong fire blue on the frizzen springs and triggers, 90% gilt finish on the brass furniture, aged patina on the exposed brass, and minor overall wear. The stock and forearm are both fine and have attractive figure and carving, a thin crack on the right side of the butt, another on the rear of the forend, and generally minor overall wear mainly at the edges. Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive and rare early 18th century revolving flintlock sporting gun in exceptional condition and exhibiting beautiful work throughout.
Estimate: 25,000 - 40,000
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