WHEELLOCK TSCHINKE Octagonal, smooth-bore, 11 mm cal. barrel, slightly bell-mouthed at the nozzle, engraved at the base and tang with rinceaux, an engraved segment in the center, following the same motif, and another similar decoration at the nozzle, with small fore-sight. Wheel-lock with flat, iron plate, all engraved with rinceaux. Similar engravings also on the covering band of the wheel, on the tang's plaque and cock's base. Thin, wooden stock, richly inlays. All the front part with bone plaques to effigy animals and grotesques among the thin spirals, these elements alternated with mother-of-pearl disks. Some repair at the end. Bottom pat with an angel intent on playing the lute, a big lion and a predator, all among spirals and mother-of-pearl plaques. The left side with another musician and a fine effigy of a knight, further to another character and some animals. The back of the butt decorated en suite (two small repairs). Iron trigger-guard, iron sphere at the butt-plate, which is in a single bone plaque. Small patchbox with cover carved en suite. Bone-tipped wooden ramrod. A beautiful example of one of the most fascinating categories of seventeenth-century rifles. Always difficult to find on the market and with very high quality decorations. Teschen, 17th Century length 112,5 cm. © CZERNY’S INTERNATIONAL AUCTION HOUSE S.r.l.
