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LOT 297
Incredible Engraved, Inlaid, and Relief Carved German Wheellock Sporting Rifle - NSN, 28 bore/.54 cal., 31 inch octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This extraordinary Suhl-made rifle dating to circa 1670-1680 features a seven-groove rifled barrel with floral motif on the muzzle, a swamped profile, dovetailed blade and notch sights, scroll engraving featuring a variety of masks, a sunken brass maker’s mark featuring initials and a deeply stamped axe-shaped marking attributed to Suhl (“Der Neue Stockel” 6123) visible at the stock-line
on the left. While slightly flawed, the maker’s stamp is similar to marks used by Cornelius Klett and Christian Reich. The lock features an internal wheel, pierced mask designs around the wheel, a face in a flower for the pan button, pierced mermaid design on the dog, and floral scroll designs along with a running stag on the plate. The inside of the lock is struck with the Suhl control mark. The
lock washers are also floral blooms. The lock is fired using adjustable double
set triggers that are enclosed by a finger groove trigger guard. The
fruitwood stock features fluting along the forend, raised
relief scroll carving with pin accents at the mid-section,
barrel tang, and heel; extensive wire and pin scrollwork
on the buttstock and patchbox lid, engraved floral and bird designs
on the lid furniture, and a large oval inlay on the cheekpiece engraved
with the portrait bust of an officer wearing a doublet and holding a sword. The stock work is very similar to the 1665 dated rifle in the Art Institute of Chicago’s collection (Reference #1982.3306). With original iron tipped ramrod. CONDITION: Fine with gray and brown patina, crisp engraving, and fairly minor overall wear. The stock is also fine and has mild dings and scratches, a few small chips, a repair at the front of the lock, a crack ahead of the trigger plate, and crisp carving. The set triggers and pan button function fine. The lock mechanism has not been tested.
Provenance: The H. Bauquis Collection, France; Property of a Gentleman. Estimate: 25,000 - 32,500
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