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Antique GERMANIC WHEELLOCK Rifle THIRTY YEARS WAR .54 Caliber Stag Antler Handsome Rifle w Stag Accents, Sliding Patchbox & Set Triggers!
Guns International #: 101788100 Seller's Inventory #: 190796
Category: Antique Rifles - 1500-1850 - Antiques
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1567
Total Number of Listings: 30377
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
Antique GERMANIC WHEELLOCK Rifle THIRTY YEARS WAR .54 Caliber Stag Antler
Handsome Rifle w Stag Accents, Sliding Patchbox & Set Triggers!
Here we present an antique Germanic Wheellock Jaeger Rifle made circa the late 17th century. The jaeger rifle was the predecessor of what would become the American Long Rifle, also known as the Kentucky or Pennsylvania long rifle. German migrants came to the New World like many others and their style of gunmaking evolved while still keeping key elements of their tradition. Octagonal barrels were lengthened but the full, muzzle-length stock was kept as well as the patchbox, and double set triggers.
The wheel-lock mechanism in firearms succeeded matchlock technology, coming into use around the 1500s, with sketches known to have been made by none other than one of the original Renaissance-Men: Leonardo Da Vinci. The 17th Century was their apex of use as simpler flintlock mechanisms came to be favored toward the beginning of the 18th Century. The wheellock works by spinning a spring-loaded steel wheel against a piece of pyrite to generate intense sparks, which ignite gunpowder in a pan, which flashes through a small touchhole to ignite the main charge in the firearm's barrel. The pyrite is clamped in vise jaws on a spring-loaded arm, referred to as a “dog”, which rests on the pan cover. When the trigger is pulled, the pan cover is opened, and the wheel is rotated, with the pyrite pressed into contact.
A wheel lock firearm had the advantage that it can be instantly readied and fired even with one hand, in contrast to the then-common matchlock firearms, which must have a burning cord of slow match ready if the gun might be needed and demanded the operator's full attention and two hands to operate. Both would have been frustrating to operate in inclement weather but the edge in weather protection goes to the wheellock.
Wheellocks, especially German ones, are probably best known in the Thirty Years War (1618-1648), one of the longest and most devastating wars ever to savage Europe, or even the world. It was a conflict that began in the Holy Roman Empire as a political and religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants that soon spread throughout virtually all of Europe. Holy Roman Emperor and King of the German Kingdom, Ferdinand II, succeeded his uncle in 1618 and launched a campaign to forcibly unite his kingdom under Roman Catholicism. Protestant revolution was the reaction, then war. Over the course of 30 years, Germany would be the epicenter of the war that involved the Habsburgs, Bohemia, Hesse-Kassel, the Dutch, Denmark-Norway, Sweden, the English, Scotland, Saxony, Prussia, the Spanish and France among others. It is estimated that the German states lost at least 20% of their population with some regions losing as much as 75%. These events would forever change history.
This one also features a partially legible marking on the top barrel flat at the breech end which appears to read “*M*F*1691”. The sliding patchbox lid as well as the left side of the stock are decorated with antler.
The overall condition is good. The action is strong. The bore is in great shape with deep, distinct rifling. The stock shows plenty of use and wear while remaining solid. This is a great example of the progenitor of the American Long Rifle: the Germanic Jaeger!
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 32-1/4.
Caliber: .54
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
ancestryguns
$8435
#190796
SOLD
Antique: Yes