1529A

SEVENTEENTH CENTURY AUSTRIAN WHEELOCK ATTRIBUTED TO "THE MASTER OF THE ANIMAL HEAD SCROLLS".

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
SEVENTEENTH CENTURY AUSTRIAN WHEELOCK ATTRIBUTED TO  THE MASTER OF THE ANIMAL HEAD SCROLLS .
NSN. Cal. .40. This fine wheelock gun is unusual in that it is not highly embellished on metal parts, as are most known examples with stocks by this carver. It is also unusual in that the bbl is of bronze. Bbl is 30-1/2" long and may be a period of use replacement with octagonal breech section transitioning into round with single wedding band. Breech end of bbl and ring around muzzle, are deeply relief engraved with floral bands with extra band of foliated fleur-di-lis at breech. Fine lock with internal wheel has plain plate stamped at central bottom with rampant griffin under "C. S" (armorers mark). Wheel cover is finely engraved with winged cherub's heads within band of flowers and foliage. Dog is beautifully filed, pierced, and engraved with stylized conjoined sea monster and cherub on top jaw, which has sinuous tail and disk shaped end. Arm has piercings and engraved dog's head. Finely filed dog spring has beaker and clover finial. Classically Vienna styled full length fruitwood stock with sliding patchbox cover (with inlaid bone scroll), has large pierced iron trigger guard and brass buttplate. Stock has nearly full coverage of very finely carved detailed flowing foliate relief scroll, originating from various bird and monster heads, as background for larger carved panels portraying a mixture of themes. Winged cherub's heads are on left forestock, and at rear panel which also has carved two-headed imperial eagle. Large left panel extending to cheek rest is carved with running stag being pursued by hunter with wheelock rifle. Behind this scene are a couple, with man playing lute, with servant (?) pouring a drink in background. Bottom of stock is carved in fish-scale pattern, behind another small panel with a relief carved flower. This fine carving is in the style of, and nearly identical to, known pieces by "the Master of the Animal Head Scrolls", believed to have been working in Vienna in the mid 17th century. His works are exhibited in many important museums including the Metropolitan Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl is a mellow gold patina. Lock is a pleasing pewter gray with silver highlights. Stock with repairs around lock and at muzzle, is very fine with dark background and hand rubbed highlights to what is probably an oil maintained orig finish. Bbl inletting is not tight. Patchbox cover and ivory tipped hickory ramrod are well done, nicely matching, replacements, as are lock screws. 4-46784 MGM271