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VERY FINE AND RARE GERMAN WHEEL LOCK SPORTING RIFLE DATED 1654.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:12,500.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
VERY FINE AND RARE GERMAN WHEEL LOCK SPORTING RIFLE DATED 1654.
NSN. This work of art wheel lock rifle has a fruitwood full stock inlaid with the rare combination of stag horn, mother of pearl and silver wire. Additionally the inlay is signed in a reserve and dated "1653" by the artist "HNM". Inlay is extremely profuse and tight featuring animal heads, scrolls, human figures, winged angels with spears, snails, birds, flowers, dogs and mythical creatures as well as strap work. Silver wire is a refinement rarely found on elaborately inlaid guns indicative of not only great quality, but extreme rarity. Lock is beautifully engraved with mythological sphinx astride a fanciful monster. Lock has internal wheel and pierced dog with standing rabbit and eagle. All in crisp condition. Pan cover is even engraved with a crowned mermaid holding her bifurcated tail, one in each hand. Oct rifled bbl is extremely crisp with two leaf folding rear sight and brass foresight. Maker's name stamped near breech. Inventory letter "D" engraved on tang. Bbl also stamped with owner's name?, "Matheus Matl" dated "1654". In addition to owning the greatest collection of KY rifles extant, Joseph Kindig, Jr. was also one of the greatest collectors of high art European firearms of the 16th and 17th centuries. Ownership of any wheel lock once belonging to the Kindig collection confers not only excellent provenance but great pride to the buyer. PROVENANCE: Private collection of Joseph Kindig, Jr., York, PA. Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: Fruitwood stock in generally fine condition. Trigger plate replaced with wood probably during working life. Patchbox inlaid en suite with rest of gun, possibly altered during working life. Butt inlaid with pearl and silver wire. Considering the extensive and profuse nature of the inlay it remains in remarkable condition. 4-49931 MZ6