1082

Attractively Engraved, Carved and Gold Inlaid Franz Meltsch Wheellock Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Attractively Engraved, Carved and Gold Inlaid Franz Meltsch Wheellock Carbine
Fitted with a dovetailed blade front sight and two leaf rear sight, the top flat of the twist steel barrel is adorned with gold borders, a gold bust of a man in martial garb, and the marking "FRANZ MELTSCH". The tang is engraved with a floral pattern, and directly behind it on the wrist are a pair of sight mounting points and a fully adjustable short range peep sight. The lock plate is 5 1/2 inches long, with the 4-groove wheel entirely concealed behind the plate, a full coverage scene of a driven hunt, signed "GRAVE/ NEGG", a pierced-through brass plate protecting the hammer spring depicting a bird fighting a dog, with scroll accents, feathered engraving on the flash pan fence and cover, and a brass topped steel hammer with a scene of a man in a helm holding the head of a strange beast. Dual set triggers, with engraving on the trigger plate and guard, which has finger rest grooves and is marked "Z" on the underside. On the reverse of the lock is a pierced through brass plate depicting a hunter with a dog. Smooth full length stock, with a multicolored horn tip, horn tipped ramrod, engraved pipes, raised scroll carving of the wood, pierced brass scroll plates on the comb, horn accents on the patch box lid and raised cheekpiece, a leaping dog engraved on the brass buttplate and an engraved silver plate on the cheekpiece, depicting a royal coat of arms. Meltsch, Negg, and the origin of the coat of arms have not been identified.
BBL: 25 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 50
Finish: bright
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Very fine, with a smooth gray patina and strong twist pattern on the barrel, which shows only a tiny amount of lost gold and traces of protective varnish. A slightly darker patina is visible on the lock and hammer, with a fine aged color on the brass. Stock is fine, with exception of a mended chip at the buttplate, scattered pressure dents and light handling marks overall. Mechanically untested.