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LOT 3255
Rare and Unique Relief Carved and Silver Inlaid Early 19th Century 7-Shot Superposed Load Sliding Lock Repeating Flintlock Rifle by Franz X. Wistaler of Munich - NSN, 50 cal., 33 1/4 inch octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This early 19th century German 7-shot repeating rifle is among the most fascinating and advanced firearms of its time. The maker name “F.X. WISTALER IN MINCHEN” (Munich, Germany) is silver inlaid on top of the barrel, and the lock is inscribed “F.X./WISTALER/MINCHEN” in three lines at the center. Franz Xaver Wistaler (also listed as Wisthaler or Wisthaller) is listed as an active gunmaker between c. 1800-1845. This high quality rifle appears to have been made for hunting purposes and likely for a wealthy individual, and functionally it is very similar to the American made Ellis-Jennings repeating rifles patented in 1821 that were purchased in limited quantities by the U.S. government for martial use, which was an improvement of Joseph Belton’s earlier repeating system. It loads from the muzzle end using powder and ball, in which seven shots are able to be loaded front to back with powder between each shot. There are seven touch holes and flash pans located on the right of the barrel, and the lock moves on a sliding track in order to line up with each touch hole. For firing, the lock starts at the forward most position, and once that round is cleared, the lock is able to slide backwards one position by pressing a button located below in order to release it for freedom of movement, and once it lines up with the next position it clicks into place, and the user must cock the hammer again. Each flash pan requires filling with powder prior to firing, and there is a long sliding cover that keeps the next flash pan covered and follows as the lock is moved between each position. Given that slow reloading was the main disadvantage of rifles before the advent of the Minie ball, this system would have been a real speed improvement. This design would have allowed for much more rapid fire for seven shots before the shooter would need to reload. The rifle has a swamped octagon barrel with seven-groove rifling, a blade front sight, folding leaf notch rear sight, double set triggers, e stock features ornate floral relief carvings and incised carvings along the edges. CONDITION: Fine overall, exhibiting mostly bright iron surfaces with some scattered very light surface pitting, sharp lock markings and edges, and retains the majority of the silver inlays. The stock is also fine as refinished, with various filled in sections and repairs, defined recut carvings, some light scratches, an area of filler that has partly fallen out on the lower right of the buttstock, and overall nice figure. Mechanically fine. This is a unique opportunity to add a fascinating early 7-shot repeating flintlock rifle to your collection!
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500 185