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European Wheelock Short Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,300.00 USD
European Wheelock Short Rifle
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European Wheelock Short Rifle, NSNV, approx. 50 cal., 28.5" octagon steel barrel polished in the white, brass drift adjustable front sight, fixed "V"-notched semi-buckhorn rear sight with folding second leaf, engraved lockplate, cock, cock spring, and shroud. Sliding pan cover, large trigger guard with finger grooves, double set adjustable triggers, hardwood stock with numerous wire, horn, ivory, and mother of pearl inlays, sliding patch box cover, and wood ramrod. Barrel was engraved near the breech at one time, but has been worn almost smooth. Barrel is retained by steel pins through the stock. Condition is good as partially restored, the metal surfaces cleaned carefully to retain as much of the engraving as possible. There is age graying and a lightly pitted and mottled surface texture to the steel parts. Lock features engraved scenes of floral decorations, a Roman type soldier with helmet, and various arms, cannon, and flags, with a similar theme engraved on the cock, and cock spring shroud. Muzzle on the barrel flares out near the end, and the rifling is a very deep type with six grooves. Metal parts show a lot of age, but some parts could be old replacements. Lock retaining screws show little age. Stock is most likely from a newer time period, but still probably around 150-200 years old; however, many of the horn inlays, ramrod base, and patch box cover inlays are modern replacements. Trigger guard shows age and hand-forging marks, but the finial at front tip is a replacement. Ivory and mother of pearl inlays on the left side of the stock look older. There are numerous dings, dents, scratches, chips, and small gouges to the wood stock, and large chips and losses to bottom of the stock around the ramrod slot area, pretty much the whole length of the slot. Action and triggers were not tested for function, but the cock moves up and down nicely. Est.: $2,500-$3,500. (Antique)