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ELABORATELY CARVED GERMAN WHEEL LOCK GUN IN THE MANNER OF JOHANN MICHAEL MAUCHER OF SCHWABISCH GMUND

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:7,500.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
ELABORATELY CARVED GERMAN WHEEL LOCK GUN IN THE MANNER OF JOHANN MICHAEL MAUCHER OF SCHWABISCH GMUND
NSN. The type of carving as on this gun may be attributed to the Maucher school as it is far higher relief and more in the round than the Meister der Tierkopfranke. Articles on similar rifles abound, see cover of Gun Report, May 1996 for several other rifles carved in the round. Powder flasks and many other wheel locks are attributed to the hand of the Maucher family. This gun has an oct bbl of approx. 75 cal, which classifies it as a boar hunting gun. The lock is plain with finely pierced and engraved wheel cover, dog and spring cover. Wheel cover is engraved with a dancing man and woman and monster playing an instrument. Spring cover is engraved with a mermaid. Hammer features a knight on horseback subduing a dragon atop three lions. A beautifully patinated stock features hunting scenes carved almost in the round in very high relief with a long-haired man and hounds defending a man on horseback who appears to be attacked by an ox, a lion and a boar all at once. Forend is carved as well with hounds pursuing rabbits. White stag horn inlay adorns the cheekpiece. Patchbox carved en suite with lions pursuing dogs and boar. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: Stock of this rifle exhibits an incredibly beautiful rich age patina achieved only by careful handling over centuries. Lock is gray with very light pitting, but crisp engraving. Bbl has deep even age patina throughout. Set trigger present and functions perfectly. Gun appears to have few, if any, replacements. Wood generally excellent overall. 4-49940 MZ20