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A VERY FINE AUSTRIAN WHEELLOCK SPORTING RIFLE BY

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:4,500.00 USD Estimated At:9,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
A VERY FINE AUSTRIAN WHEELLOCK SPORTING RIFLE BY
FRANZ XAVER (XAVIER) ZELNER (ZELLNER) IN SALZBURG CIRCA 1725. Cal. 28 bore. NSN. The 28 bore blued swamped octagonal barrel deeply rifled with seven grooves signed in gold at the breech along the top flat and inlaid with gold strap work framing a deeply struck maker's mark (New Stockel 8592). Gilt brass fore-sight and folding leaf back-sight chased with foliage, gilt brass tang plate chased with foliage. The flat lock signed "Franz Xaver Zelner in Salzburg" with internal wheel finely engraved with strap work both internally and externally framing a stag hunting scene, well rendered fox on the pan shield and hounds on the bridle. The cock is exquisitely engraved with the figures of Diana, goddess of the hunt, at her ease with Acteon, her lover. Well figured and moulded walnut full-stock (fore-end with old repair) carved and incised throughout. Full gilt brass mounts cast, chased, and engraved en suite. The pierced side-plate with a falconer on horseback, thumb plate with hound pursuing a hare, butt mounts, and chiseled set trigger. Original ramrod with brass tip decorated en suite with the mounts. CONDITION: This lovely wheellock rifle by one of Austria's distinguished makers is in overall fine condition with the repair to fore-end as noted, the barrel with considerable original bluing and the mounts with generous amounts of bright gilding. One sling mount is absent. (01-21895/MZ). ANTIQUE. $9,000-12,000.