Guns International #: 103448042
Seller's Inventory #: 44208

Category - Antique Rifles - Flintlock - Antique Rifles - 1500-1850

Category
Antique Rifles - Flintlock
Antique Rifles - 1500-1850

"Rare Silesian Wheellock Sporting Rifle – Breslau School, c. 1580–1620 (44208)

Description:
"Exceptional original Silesian wheellock sporting rifle attributed to the Breslau (Wroclaw) school, dating to the late 16th to early 17th century, circa 1580–1620. Breslau was among the most important and prestigious gunmaking centers of Central Europe, renowned for producing luxury hunting arms for noble and courtly patronage during the Renaissance and early Baroque period.  The rifle features a 26.25 inch octagonal barrel with swamped muzzle, finely engraved with period floral scrollwork and professionally cleaned. The barrel shows no modern proof marks and retains correct early construction characteristics. Overall length measures 36.5 inches.  The original early-pattern wheellock mechanism is finely engraved and complete, with sliding pan cover, forged components, and original dog and wheel assembly. The lock has also been professionally cleaned and remains mechanically intact.  The architectural walnut stock displays the hallmarks of the Breslau school, with bold slab-sided butt form and refined lines, lavishly decorated throughout with carved and engraved staghorn inlays depicting deer, birds, and hunting scenes, interspersed with dense punch-dot ornament and geometric cartouches. The butt is further embellished with a large oval mother-of-pearl cartouche, framed by scrolling horn panels, a feature strongly associated with high-grade Breslau court rifles of this period.  The rifle is fitted with double set triggers, engraved steel mounts, an original-style ramrod, and the distinctive long iron trigger-guard rail characteristic of Silesian construction. The patch box cover is a well-executed restoration, carefully fitted and visually consistent with the surrounding original inlay work.  This rifle represents a rare surviving example of a nobleman’s hunting arm produced prior to the Thirty Years’ War, exemplifying the highest level of craftsmanship achieved by Silesian gunmakers at the height of Renaissance sporting culture.  Specifications: • Origin: Silesia, Breslau (Wroclaw) school • Date: Circa 1580–1620 • Barrel length: 26.25 inches (swamped muzzle) • Overall length: 36.5 inches • Action: Wheellock, double set triggers  Condition:  Very good antique condition overall. Barrel and lock professionally cleaned. Stock structurally sound with expected age shrinkage and minor handling wear. Staghorn inlays largely intact. Patch box cover restored as noted. A highly attractive and historically important example. 

Antique: Yes

Price: $38,500.00