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VERY RARE FRENCH WHEEL LOCK MILITARY MUSKET CIRCA 1610.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
VERY RARE FRENCH WHEEL LOCK MILITARY MUSKET CIRCA 1610.
NSN. Classic French wheel lock with main spring operating from beneath the trigger guard and spindle through plate on left side. All French wheel locks are rare, few having survived through the centuries. Very heavy musket barrel is deeply stamped at breech with unidentified mark and other marks. Fixed rear side and iron foresight. Lock of classic French form with wheel retaining bracket on left side and filed dogspring. Stock is characteristic fishtail butt of the Louis XIII period. Forend carved with volutes. Stock also has some small sophisticated incised carving behind main spring under trigger guard. Iron butt plate fastened with nails in the early manner. NOTES: Number of muskets of this form were present in the Cabinet of Arms formed by King Louis XIII. Muskets of this type and form are still present in the Musee de l'Armee. Were this musket stamped with an inventory number, it would definitely be considered a Cabinet of Arms piece. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: Condition of bbls is cleaned with light to medium pitting but otherwise good. Lock is the same with all original small parts with possible exception of the pan cover release. Stock is relatively crisp with crisp carving retaining its original definition. Few minor age cracks but overall beautiful patination. Tang possibly altered during gun's working life as there is an inset piece of wood behind it. 4-49792 MZ35