3497 A SPLENDID GILT MOUNTED BOHEMIAN WHEELLOCK

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 4,000.00 USD
Estimated at 8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
SPORTING RIFLE BY PAUL POSER IN PRAG. Circa 1720. Cal. 60. NSN. The blued oct bbl. is swamped at the muzzle and elaborately inlaid at the breech with gold strap work. Signed within a rectangular gold reserve, "POSER BRACH", and within a gold reserve, a deeply sunken poincon. The folding rear sight of gilded brass and above it, a standing armored warrior in gilt brass holding a halberd. The tang is engraved "2". The flat lock with an internal wheel is finely engraved throughout with a hunting scene and a village in the background, hunters and their hounds, and signed "PAUL POSER A PRAG". The cock, finely relief-chiseled with a toothed monster, is pierced, possibly by master steel chiseler Franz Matzenkoff, with whom Poser worked closely. The mounts of fire-gilded brass comprise a brass-mounted wood patchbox cast and chased in relief with elaborate scenes of the chase. The triggerguard has strap work and a stag in a reserve. The comb of the butt shows a helmeted warrior. The sideplate shows Diana the Huntress in a woodland landscape. The buttplate is made of gilt brass and engraved with a stag and doe. The highly figured, light walnut full stock relief is carved with strap work in a particularly elegant style throughout. Set trigger. NOTE: Paul Poser is regarded as one of the finest Bohemian gunmakers of the early 18th century, having closely collaborated with the renowned steel chiseler Matzenkoff. This rifle is a fine example of a wheelock rifle that once belonged in a princely European gewehrkammer, possibly the Prince von Lobkowtiz. CONDITION: the barrel retains most of the original finish, and all inlaid gold is present. The lock retains crisp engraving and chiseling throughout, with no corrosion and very little wear. The mounts retain much of their original bright fire gilding. The walnut stock is excellent throughout, with little wear to the carving. The ramrod appears to be the original. (01-21902/MZ). ANTIQUE. $8,000-12,000.