Extensively Carved German Wheelock Rifle
Dated 1701 - SOLD

It is remarkable that only eight small pieces of wood have been replaced over the years; of the hundreds of inlays, some have come out and some have been replaced otherwise original. The form is German, circa 1650 to 1710. The large pearl inlay on the cheekpiece is signed “I.W. 1701”. The patchbox lid is wood and inlaid; barrel and lock are aged gray steel with staining. The muzzle is extremely swamped; rear sight is carved steel matching the style and period of the gun; furniture is brass…engraved and pierced. The cock has a bird and a dog engraved and cut into the steel; bridle appears to have a monkey holding a rifle and a shield. The lock plate is beautifully engraved with a woodland scene and a running stag. The rifled bore is about .58 caliber; barrel is steel, octagonal and 34 ¾ inches long. Overall length is 46-inches; pan cover is lightly rusted and may be a replacement.

LIT-585/BRX-305/WYSS