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SPLENDID WHEEL LOCK RIFLE WITH STOCK CARVING ATTRIBUTED TO THE MEISTER DER TIERKOPFRANKE (MASTER OF

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:12,500.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
SPLENDID WHEEL LOCK RIFLE WITH STOCK CARVING ATTRIBUTED TO THE MEISTER DER TIERKOPFRANKE (MASTER OF
NSN. The quality of carving on this particular example makes it very likely that it is actually from the hand of the so-called "Meister der Tierkopfranke". There is a very long and detailed article describing the work of this master gun and stock maker in the Arms & Armor Annual published by Robert Held. In this article the greatest of all German arms scholars, Dr. Hans Schedlemann, illustrates many of the finest examples and discusses the enigma of these weapons at length. Most appear to have been made for the royal court of the emperor Ferdinand III. Some have extensive raised silver work on the bbls and locks, while others like this example, have relatively plain metalwork. This stock has raised carved stag, dogs, monkeys, foxes and terms, as well as dragon-heads spouting foliage from their mouths in the classic Tierkopfranke style. The trigger guard area is carved with fish scales in the Saxon style. Known Tierkopfranke rifles exhibit both white stag horn inlay as well as the extensive carving of this example. The patchbox is decorated with elaborate hunting scene featuring a longhorn stag with two does, a castle in the distance. The lock has a finely pierced gilded wheel cover, gilt bronze face forms the pan release, and gilt bronze putti face surmounts the dog and dog spring. Dog itself is finely chiseled and has an acorn finial reminiscent of the city of Augsburg. Oct bbl has a two leaf rear sight and brass fore sight and is deeply struck with the maker's mark "HIB" and inventory # "11" engraved on the breech. NOTE: All wheel locks by the Meister der Tierkopfranke are rare and desirable and the present example is particularly fine one, preserved in remarkable condition. PROVENANCE: Tom Lewis, Evergreen, CO. Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: Metalwork is polished bright throughout. No replacements. Double set trigger functions perfectly and rifle retains original sling swivels. Stock is excellent. Virtually all inlays are original and intact. Carving remains extremely crisp for a 400 year old rifle. 4-49968 MZ8