Premier Firearms Auction - Day 1

Premier Firearms Auction - Day 1

Friday, May 17, 2024  |  9:00 AM Central
Auction closed.
Premier Firearms Auction - Day 1

Premier Firearms Auction - Day 1

Friday, May 17, 2024  |  9:00 AM Central
Auction closed.
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Large variety of antique and modern firearms to be sold over three days. Read More http://www.rockislandauction.com
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Pg : 13 of 27

Bellows Crank Handle Tip-Up Air Gun by Kuchenreiter

Lot # 302 (Sale Order: 301 of 664)      

19th Century Relief Carved and Silver Inlaid Germanic Bellows Crank Handle Tip-Up Barrel Air Gun by Kuchenreiter

"IOH. ANDRE. KUCHENREITER" and designs silver inlaid ahead of a sunken oval silver maker's mark on top of the barrel at the breech. A Johann Andreas Kuchenreuter (Kuchenreiter), living between 1758-1808, is listed as court gunsmith to the princes of Thurn and Taxis. These bellows air guns were generally made in the late 1700s to mid-1800s, and were used primarily for indoor target shooting. Their basic feature is a conical bellows hidden in the hollowed-out wooden buttstock. This bellows air gun has a tip-up smoothbore octagon barrel with a sleeved insert (loose) measuring at approximately .32 caliber/8 mm (possibly for use with 7.5 mm darts with a hair tail) that loads from the breech and releases with a lever located on bottom. Dovetail notch rear sight on the barrel (absent front sight), and mounted with a walnut stock with deeply cut floral relief carvings. Information related to these can be found on pages 213-214 of "Blue Book of Airguns, Thirteenth Edition".

Class: Other

Good, retains half of an old refinished blue finish mixed with smooth brown patina, and retains most of the silver inlays with a mostly tarnished appearance. The stock is very good with scattered scratches, dents, mild cracks, an absent chipped front right section, and defined recut carvings. The buttplate sits proud. Absent front trigger guard screw and front sight. The sleeved barrel insert is loose at the muzzle end. Mechanically untested.

Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

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19th Century European Air Gun with Shagreen Stock Reservoir

Lot # 303 (Sale Order: 302 of 664)      

19th Century European Air Gun with Shagreen Wrapped Stock Reservoir

Air guns of this style were used primarily for hunting. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. This unique example has no visible marker markings and has a rotating faucet breech that loads from the top when in full cock. When the trigger is pulled, the faucet breech rotates and lines up with the bore, while simultaneously allowing air to pass through in order to propel the ball. It is chambered in approximately .42 caliber/10.5 mm and features a part octagon barrel, blade front sight and notch rear sight, and a shagreen (shark or stingray skin) wrapped iron stock air reservoir.

Class: Other

Very good, retains 50% thinning original brown finish on the barrel and 60% original blue finish on the frame, with smooth brown and gray patina on the balance and scattered patches of light freckling/pitting. The shagreen is fair with mild cracking and age related wear. Mechanically fine.

Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

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19th Century European Stock Reservoir Screw Barrel Air Gun

Lot # 304 (Sale Order: 303 of 664)      

19th Century European Stock Reservoir Screw Barrel Air Gun

This European air gun dates to around the early 1800s and does not have any visible maker markings although it appears to be of Austrian origin. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. They also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. Chambered in approximately .36 caliber/9 mm and features a screw-off round barrel with a smooth bore, iron lock and sideplate, engraved cocking lever, brass frame, a small walnut stock with an "S" carved on the bottom, and a leather wrapped metal buttstock air reservoir. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/065" hanging from the trigger guard.

Class: Other

Good, with scattered mild pitting on the iron surfaces and bright golden patina on the brass. The refinished walnut stock is also good with scattered flaking of the varnish finish, cracks and scratches. The replacement leather is also good with mild wear and handling. Mechanically very good.

Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

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18th/19th Century European Stock Reservoir Air Gun by F. Sterba

Lot # 305 (Sale Order: 304 of 664)      

Late 18th/Early 19th Century European Stock Reservoir Air Gun by F. Sterba

This Austrian air gun dates to around the late 1700s to early 1800s. It is signed with the maker name "F. STERBA." on the top barrel flat at the breech. No information related to this maker has been found at the current time. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. They also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. This example is chambered in approximately .43 caliber/11 mm and features a part octagon/round barrel with a smooth bore, a German silver bead front sight, notch rear sight, a small walnut stock section, and a leather wrapped metal stock reservoir.

Class: Other

Good, with scattered dark colored light to mild pitting on the iron surfaces, faded barrel markings, and golden aged patina on the brass with some soldered repairs visible on the right. The refinished stock is very good with some scattered light scratches. The leather is good with scattered mild age related wear and cracking, with some absent areas on the rear surface. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

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19th Century European Stock Reservoir Exposed Lock Air Gun

Lot # 306 (Sale Order: 305 of 664)      

19th Century European Stock Reservoir Exposed Lock Air Gun by J.H. Caster of Hanau

"J.H. Caster in Hanau" engraved on the left of the frame. Air guns of this style were used primarily for hunting. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. It is chambered in approximately .40 caliber/10.5 mm with a smoothbore part octagon barrel. "#7088" written in black inside the trigger guard.

Class: Other

Good, with a mix of smooth brown and gray patina, and some scattered light oxidation. The leather is also good with mild age related wear, separation of the stitching, and an absent rear section. One absent trigger guard screw. Absent air needle, otherwise mechanically fine.

Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

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Two 19th Century American Underlever Gallery Air Guns

Lot # 307 (Sale Order: 306 of 664)      

Collector's Lot of Two 19th Century American Tip-Up Barrel Underlever Gallery Air Guns -A) Gallery Air Gun by William Stein of Camden, New Jersey

Collector's Lot of Two 19th Century American Tip-Up Barrel Underlever Gallery Air Guns -A) Gallery Air Gun by William Stein of Camden, New Jersey
"W.STEIN/CAMDEN.N.J." marked on top of the barrel and on top of the brass cylinder reservoir. William Stein is listed as an active maker out of Camden, New Jersey, in the 1860s-1870s. Air guns of this style were used primarily for indoor target shooting. This gallery air gun has a tip-up octagon barrel that loads from the breech and is affixed with a latch below, and it functions through the use of a trigger guard lever for cocking in order to fill the cylinder reservoir, and upon pulling the trigger the spring loaded piston releases. Chambered in approximately .30 caliber/7.5 mm with a smooth bore. A similar example is photographed and described on page 99 of "Blue Book of Airguns, Thirteenth Edition" where it is referred to as a "St. Louis" type air gun.

Manufacture: American
Model: Air Gun
BBL: 22 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 30
Finish: brown/bright
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Class: Other

Condition: Fine, with a mix of original brown finish and scattered spotting on the barrel, attractive bright surfaces on the brass, and sharp markings in the metal. Stock is very good with some scattered light handling marks, cracks visible in the wrist and front of the comb, a chipped absent section on the top left of the wrist, and defined edges. Mechanically fine.

B) Unmarked American Gallery Air Gun
This unmarked gallery air gun has a a tip-up octagon barrel that loads from the breech and is affixed with a latch below, chambered in approximately .25 caliber/6.35 mm with a smooth bore.

Manufacture: American
Model: Air Gun
BBL: 21 inch part octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 25
Finish: brown/bright
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Class: Other

Condition: Very good with brown patina and scattered pin-prick pitting on the iron, and golden age darkened patina on the brass. Wood is also very good with numerous mild scratches and dents and an absent chipped hole on top of the wrist. Mechanically fair, weak air pressure.

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J. & W. Richards Marked Flintlock Blunderbuss

Lot # 308 (Sale Order: 307 of 664)      

Attractive J. & W. Richards Marked Flintlock Blunderbuss with Unique Elliptical Muzzle

Manufactured c. the early 19th century by Joseph and William Richards of Birmingham, who were active c. 1799-1817, with Joseph reportedly carrying on the business until about 1830. The two-stage iron barrel is octagonal at the breech, transitioning to ovoidal, and flaring at the muzzle giving a slight "duckbill" appearance. There are British proofs on the upper left flat. The lock is marked "J&W/Richards" at the center of the lockplate, with light border engraving and foliate engraving on the cock and tail. The furniture is brass with light engraving and an acorn finial on the trigger guard. The full length stock is smooth walnut and the ramrod is tipped with dark horn. The bore is estimated at 1 inch and flares to 2 1/8 inches on the long axis at the muzzle.

Class: Antique

Very good, the barrel showing mostly a mixture of brown finish and smooth brown patina with some light surface pitting scattered throughout. Traces of silvered case colors on remain on the lock. The wood is fine with stabilized minor cracks on either side of the forestock near the muzzle and scattered minor dings. Mechanically fine.

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Ketland & Co. Brass Barrel Flintlock Blunderbuss with Bayonet

Lot # 309 (Sale Order: 308 of 664)      

Fine Ketland & Co. Brass Barrel Flintlock Blunderbuss with Underslung "Snap Bayonet"

Manufactured circa 1800-1810. The brass barrel is four stages with the bore flaring at the muzzle to approximately 1 inch, "London" in script on top, and turned moldings. British proofs including boxed "T-K" on the upper left. The sprung bayonet is fitted beneath the barrel, and the iron ramrod is housed on the left side. The engraved iron standing breech has a sighting groove. The flat beveled lock has a stepped tail and is signed “Ketland/& Co.” The walnut, half length stock is fitted with engraved brass furniture including a trigger guard incorporating the bayonet release trigger on the finial. "DE" is marked behind the trigger guard tang. The bore is estimated at 20 gauge.

Class: Antique

Fine, the barrel and other brass components mostly bright with an attractive lightly aged patina, and the iron showing a bright grey patina with some light flash pitting. The wood is also fine with some minor stabilized cracking/filler repair around the barrel wedge and otherwise scattered minor dings. Mechanically excellent.

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Rea Brass Barrel Flintlock Blunderbuss

Lot # 310 (Sale Order: 309 of 664)      

Rea Brass Barrel Flintlock Blunderbuss Inscribed "Happy is He Who Escapes Me"

Though the lock reads "F. REA" currently, this mark should have been "I-REA" for gunmaker John Rea of London near the end of the 18th century. The barrel is inscribed "HAPPY IS HE WHO ESCAPES ME" near the flared muzzle and "PATENT LONDON" on top of the breech section. It is also marked with London proofs. The bore flares to 1.15 inches at the muzzle. The furniture is brass and features floral engraving and a pineapple trigger guard finial.

Class: Antique

Good with mottled gray and brown patina and mild pitting on the lock, aged patina on the barrel and furniture, rubbed barrel markings, and general moderate wear overall. The stock is very good and has mild overall wear including numerous scrapes and dings. Mechanically fine.

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Wilson & Co. Back Action Percussion Blunderbuss with Bayonet

Lot # 311 (Sale Order: 310 of 664)      

Rare Engraved Wilson & Co. Back Action Percussion Blunderbuss with Folding Snap Bayonet

Percussion era blunderbusses are rarer than their flintlock predecessors. The approximately 14 bore blunderbuss has a two-stage brass barrel that flares out to a 1.3 inch bore diameter at the muzzle, scroll engraving and "Liverpool" on top, and a folding bayonet. The back action lock is marked "WILSON & CO" and has scroll engraving. The brass furniture also features scroll engraving, and the stock has a checkered wrist.

Class: Antique

Very good with attractive aged patina on the brass, gray and brown patina on the iron, repaired hammer, weak bayonet spring, and general mild wear. The period refinished stock is very good and has distinct checkering and minor scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.

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William Wilson, London Marked Brass Barrel Blunderbuss/Coach Gun

Lot # 312 (Sale Order: 311 of 664)      

Attractive William Wilson, London Marked Brass Barrel Blunderbuss/Coach Gun

Manufactured c. the late 18th century by William Wilson of London, who was active from c. 1747-1808. The brass three-stage barrel is octagonal at the breech, transitions to round, and flares at the muzzle. It is marked "LONDON" on the top flat and has two deeply struck oval British proofs on the upper left. The beveled and border engraved lock is marked "Wilson" at the center. The furniture is brass with light engraving matching the lock and an acorn finial on the trigger guard. The near full-length stock is smooth walnut with light molding around the barrel tang and the ramrod is tipped with light horn. The bore is estimated at 16 gauge and flares at the muzzle to approximately 1 inch.

Class: Antique

Very good, the barrel and other brass components showing a mostly bright, attractive, lightly aged tone, with the lock and iron components showing a mostly bright grey patina with some scattered light pitting. The stock is very good with a couple minor splits in the left of the forestock and on the bottom at the tail of the entry pipe, and scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.

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President of Mexico Le Page Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun

Lot # 313 (Sale Order: 312 of 664)      

Extraordinary Historic Documented Presentation Cased Exhibition Quality Le Page-Moutier Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun with Relief Chiseled Embellishment and Elaborately Carved Ebony Stock Presented by the President of France to the President of Mexico and Once Part of the Harolds Club Museum of the Old West Collection

This extraordinary exhibition quality relief chiseled double barrel percussion shotgun features masterpiece lever craftsmanship of the highest quality, including deep relief chiseled motifs, three dimensional carved steel components, and a beautifully carved ebony stock and case. The overall theme of this incredible shotgun is one of the pleasures of the hunt and wine. It was manufactured by the famous Le Page Moutier shop in Paris and completed in 1860. It was almost certainly displayed in some of the exhibitions of the period before it was later presented to Mexican President Manuel Gonzales Flores by French President Jules Grevy.Le Page was a Parisian firearms manufacturer established in 1717 and run by the same family until 1913, including by Gilles Michel Louis Moutier-Le Page who ran the illustrious firm from 1842 to late 1860s. During this period, fine arms by Le Page Moutier as the company was styled were among the finest arms manufactured for the 19th century's elaborate national and international exhibitions. The company under his leadership and then that of Emile Henry Faure Le Page won numerous accolades and awards, including at the International Exhibition in Paris in 1855 (1st Class Medal), 1867 (Silver Medal), 1878 (Gold Medal) 1889 (Grand Prix), in London in 1851 and 1862 (Prize Medals) and in Vienna 1873 (Medal of Progress). Given this extraordinary shotgun's completion in 1860, it may have been first displayed at the Exposition Universelle in Metz, France, in 1861 and was likely displayed at subsequent exhibitions such as the 1862 International Exhibition in London the following year during which the company is noted as displaying "Sporting guns, carbines, revolvers, &c." A somewhat similar shotgun from the firm is shown in "Masterpieces of Industrial Art & Sculpture at the International Exhibition, 1862 Vol. 1" in Plate 6: "French Ornamented Fire-Arms." The book states: "For 'Armes de luxe' Paris has long maintained supremacy over all competitors: the names of Devisme and Le Page Moutier are of world-wide note; to which follow worthily in suit Gastinne-Renette, Gaudin, Brun, Perrin, and Thomas, all of whom obtained the highest commendation of the Jury in Class 11." The jury report noted: "The sporting guns and the pistols exhibited by the Paris makers are chiefly remarkable for the extreme artistic beauty of their decorations, which are designed and executed with the greatest skill and taste, the ornamental parts of the gun being highly valued in France, and in other countries, to which the French gunmakers export largely, especially South America." The gun illustrated in the book is now in the Royal Armouries (object number: XII.4751), and their description notes: "The gun was exhibited at the 1862 International Exhibition in South Kensington and was awarded a medal. A similar gun was presented to the President of Mexico, Don Manuel Gonzales, by M. Paul Jules Grevy, President of France, in 1879."The Damascus barrels by Parisian barrel maker Leopold Bernard feature a solid concave rib signed "LE PAGE MOUTIER ARQer BREVETE A PARIS" in raised relief lettering with floral bloom accents flanked by raised foliate scrollwork. The rear of the barrels exhibit 9 inch panels of beautifully executed chiseled vine, leaf, and grape patterns on a finely beaded background, and there is a band of chiseled oak leaves and acorns at the front of the breech panels. A chiseled scroll pattern incorporating a beautifully carved three dimensional fox covers the fences and extends down the sides of the barrel breeches, and the hammers are finely chiseled in the form of dogs that pounce on each fox when the gun is fired as well as pierced scroll patterns. The breech hook and standing breech are numbered "998." The standing breech also features foliage scrollwork and has a chiseled vulture. The underside of the barrels are signed "LEOPOLD BERNARD/CANONNIER A PARIS" and have the numbers "N998" and "A1860" (barrel number and date) and two "crown/LB star" maker's marks. The rib is marked "57445 - 1850" on the underside. The two steel ramrod pipes also feature chiseled floral scrollwork, and the ramrod features coordinating embellishment on the ends. The locks and furniture feature the same high quality work as the barrels and are embellished en suite and feature a variety of intricate motifs. The back act
more... Provenance: Mexican President Manuel Gonzales from French President Jules Grevy; The Harolds Club Museum of the Old West Collection; Butterfield & Butterfield; Property of a Gentleman

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Silver Mounted Paul Poser Flintlock Sporting Rifle

Lot # 314 (Sale Order: 313 of 664)      

18th Century Bohemian Relief Engraved, Carved, and Silver-Mounted Paul Poser Flintlock Sporting Rifle

This beautiful rifle's mate is probably held within the Collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London (accession number M.120-1953), and Norman R. Blank's notes indicate this rifle was purchased from W. Keith Neal in 1964. It was made circa 1730-1735 and has decorative metalwork attributed to Franz Matzenkopf (see the pair of pistols held in the Collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, accession number: 2018.282.1, .2). It has a blued swamped octagonal barrel with seven-groove rifling, dovetailed silver blade front and two-leaf rear sights, "PAUL POSER" in gold inlay on top of the breech section flanking Poser's gold-lined "PIP" maker's mark along with gold-inlaid line work. The flat lock is signed "POSER/A PRAG" on the tail ahead of a chiseled hunting trophy and has a faceted priming-pan and a finely detailed chiseled scene of a hunter with his dog and a slain hare in a wooded scene. The cock includes a putti pulling on a scroll pattern disgorging from a monster-head. The lock is fired with double set triggers with an engraved plate with foliate finial that coordinates with the finials on the trigger-guard. The cast and chased silver mounts feature ornate floral, scroll, animal, and mask designs along with a deer hunting scene on the side-plate, pierced wrist escutcheon with putti and bound captives, and classical figures on the patch box lid and heel tang. The full stock has a green horn forearm cap, inlaid silver wire scroll and floral patterns, molding, raised relief carved masks and scroll patterns, and a cheekpiece with fluted edge and scroll carved accents. Later brass-mounted horn-tipped ramrod.

Class: Antique

Very good with attractive aged patina on the mounts, crisp relief engraving and markings on the lock along with mostly silver-gray patina, the barrel mostly a mixed smooth gray and brown patina, scattered minor pitting to the iron parts. The silver mounts have clear scenes with age related rubbing to the high points. The stock has rubbed carving, some additional cracks and repairs concentrated in the forend, a break towards the center of the forearm, pieces of silver inlay coming loose or absent, scratches and handling marks throughout. Mechanically fine. This rifle is a beautiful example of fine European arms from the second quarter of the 18th century. Its silver mounts alone are works of art!

Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

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Lewis Barbar Flintlock Sporting Gun

Lot # 315 (Sale Order: 314 of 664)      

Very Scarce Lewis Barbar Flintlock Sporting Gun

This large flintlock sporting gun was made by the famous French emigre gunsmith Lewis (Louis) Barbar circa 1700. The swamped octagonal iron barrel is likely smoothbored from rifled and is struck with London proof marks and the maker’s stamp "LB" on the upper left flat towards the breech, fitted with a dovetailed rounded blade front sight and a later dovetailed three leaf rear sight with floral finial. It has an iron tang with a double line border. The coordinating double line border engraved rounded iron lock has a down-turned tail and is signed “BARBAR.” The molded root wood stock is fitted with iron mounts including turned ramrod ferrules, an attractive acanthus scroll pattern side-plate, a vacant wrist escutcheon and a long pointed finial on the heel-plate tang. Later iron capped wooden ramrod. The Norman R. Blank Collection notes indicate this gun was in the collection of Lord Leigh of Stoneleigh Abbey until being sold at auction in 1967.

Class: Antique

Good. Iron parts with mottled gray patina and pitting throughout, clear signature, and age and storage related wear throughout. The re-varnished stock has a crack through the forearm, extensive old worm holing throughout, a spliced repair visible at the toe of the butt, and some additional cracks and repairs throughout, tip of forearm rebuilt. Mechanically fine. This is a very early English sporting gun. English guns from the beginning of the 18th century are very difficult to acquire.

Provenance: The Collection of the Barons Leigh; The Norman R. Blank Collection

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Double Barrel Flintlock Sporting Gun by Nicolas-Noel Boutet

Lot # 316 (Sale Order: 315 of 664)      

Rare and Beautiful Double Barrel Flintlock Sporting Gun with Gold-Inlaid Barrel and Gilt Bronze Mounts by Nicolas-Noel Boutet, Versailles

This shotgun was crafted at the state arms factory at Versailles under Directeur Artiste Nicolas-Noel Boutet (1761-1833), gunmaker to both King Louis XVI and Napoleon and one of the greatest "de luxe" arms makers in history. Every detail on the fine arms manufactured under his aegis are precise. This smoothbore hunting gun was manufactured in the early 1800s and has gold bands at each muzzle and a gilt blade front sight with gold-inlaid accents, decorative gold girdles at the transition point, gold oval touch-holes, and gold-inlaid diamond and floral patterns at the breech along with "BC" (upper left), "BOUTET" (top of both), and "LC" (upper right) marks. The upper flats on the octagonal to polygonal breech sections are respectively signed "Boutet Directeur Artiste" and "Manufacture a Versailles". The underside of each breech signed "ARMAND" along with a second indistinct signature. The standing breech incorporates a grooved rear sight and is polished bright and engraved with floral motifs. The right lock is signed "BOUTET/DIRECTEUR" at the center, and the left lock is signed "MANUFAC./A VERSAILLES", and each lock features simple borders, floral engraving, large frizzen spring rollers, and graceful swan-neck cocks. The mounts are gilt bronze with applied texture aside from some polished accents such as the small divots on the points of the shell-shaped ramrod entry pipe finial and the larger oval on the trigger-guard bow. The stock features very fine checkering on the forearm and wrist with crisp molding, a very beautifully carved scroll and floral pattern grip extension, and a fluted comb.

Class: Antique

Exceptionally fine. The barrels appear to be a very old refurbish exhibiting 90% plus bright high polished blue with some loss at the muzzles. The standing breech and both lock plates remain bright and display crisp engraving and markings with evidence of light pitting. The exceptional mounts retain bright gilding, mixed texture on the forward portion of the trigger-guard finial, and darker patina on the butt. The upper ramrod pipe is detached but present. The stock is very fine and retains crisp checkering with minor handling wear, crisp carving and smooth finish. Mechanically excellent. Overall, a very attractive piece from Nicolas-Noel Boutet at Versailles during the Napoleonic era.

Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

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Northern European Flintlock Sporting Gun

Lot # 317 (Sale Order: 316 of 664)      

Northern European Flintlock Sporting Gun with Relief Chiseled Steel Mounts and Barrel from the Collections of the Grand Dukes of Saxe-Weimar

This fine sporting gun is unsigned but is of the distinctive Northern European style of the late 17th century with a heavy rounded butt and chiseled steel mounts and barrel. Notes from the Norman R. Blank Collection identified it as from the collection of the Dukes of Saxe-Weimar from Schloss Ettersburg suggesting that it was almost certainly purchased via W. Keith Neal. The smoothbore barrel has a rounded blade front sight flanked by engraved scrollwork, a long sighting flat, a chiseled classical figure with chiseled and engraved scrollwork at the breech, and a grooved iron tang with foliate and border engraving. The rounded downturned lock has a chiseled figure at the center, scroll patterns and decorative borders. The steel mounts are decorated en suite, with the pierced scrolling side-plate inhabited by bestial motifs and a figure, and the heel-plate including a mask design and a long serpentine tang of Simonin type. The full-stock features molding and relief scroll carving. With a replacement wooden ramrod with steel tip.

Class: Antique

Fine with attractive silver-gray patina overall, some faint pitting, and crisp designs. The wood is also fine and has distinct carving and molding, minor age and storage related marks and dings, edge wear, chips and cracks around the heel-plate, tang and lock, and faint filled cracks mainly on the left flat of the butt. Mechanically fine. Opportunities to acquire fine Northern European sporting guns with such provenance are very rare!

Provenance: The Grand Dukes of Saxe-Weimar; The Norman R. Blank Collection

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Fernando Olave Miquelet Sporting Gun

Lot # 318 (Sale Order: 317 of 664)      

Extraordinary Highly Ornamented Documented, Relief Chiseled, Engraved, Gilt and Relief Carved Miquelet Fernando Olave Sporting Gun

This exceptional gun is described in detail in W. Keith Neal's "Spanish Guns and Pistols", pp. 23-24: "There is an exceptional gun made by Fernando Olave of Placentia, a contemporary of Bustindui and famed for his barrels, which is equal to the best work turned out in Madrid. This gun is in the Madrid style and was made about the year 1805. The mounts are of steel deeply chiseled in the style and quality equal to the best work done in France or Italy one hundred years earlier. The barrel is richly inlaid with gold, part of the breech being entirely covered with gold. The decoration on the barrel shows doves carrying the olive branch surmounted with the rising sun and scrolls and arabesques. The walnut stock is carved with vines and tendrils in the very finest manner. In the butt is a spring cover which when opened discloses the steel box. Inside this box is a combination tool which performs the function of turnscrew, touch-hole picker, strike-a-light, scourer for the face of the pan-cover and hammer for trimming a flint. In addition there is a detachable worm which fits the ramrod for withdrawing a load. This set of implements is made in the same fine quality as the rest of the gun. The gun is signed on the barrel with the marks of the maker, his name and a rampant lion. On the lock is his name in full in gold and again in full on the trigger-guard. This gun is the last word in fine production and compares with the best work of Boutet and of the finest artists to be found anywhere in Europe." While the gun is not illustrated, Olave’s maker's marks are shown on p. 100 of Neal’s book. Whether Norman R. Blank already owned this superb gun when W. Keith Neal described it in 1955 or subsequently obtained it, possibly from or via Neal, is unclear. The barrel of another gun with similar decoration by Olave is shown in Frederick Wilkinson, "Antique Arms and Armor", p. 33.Expanding on W. Keith Neal's description, the smoothbore barrel is blued in addition to the ornate gold work which includes two stamped and gilt fleurs-de-lis, and has a gold blade front sight with gold spider base with foliate motifs; and fine chiseled transition point with gilt backgrounds. The coordinating blued standing breech has a grooved rear sight. The burnished lock has chiseled and engraved floral, scroll, and mask motifs, a seated figure on the frizzen, and gold-lined priming-pan and frizzen. The trigger-guard has additional chiseled figures to the front and rear, the forward figure's legs forming the front of the trigger-guard which are pierced and chiseled in the round, the inner aspect of the trigger-guard revealing the figure’s naked buttocks, putti holding a raised panel with the maker's name in gold, scrollwork, coordinating gold inlays, and a finely scrolled grip extension reminiscent of a coil-spring. The side-plate has scrolls with masks, a lamb and two figures. The Madrid-style half-stock has a blued steel forearm cap with gold floral work en suite with the barrel decor, fine checkering to the wrist and forearm, molding, elaborate raised relief floral carving, and the noted compartment in the steel heel-plate containing a combination tool, and a figure, possibly the Angel of Death, above a figure of a man with raised sword and waving a tricorn hat in front of a cast naked man. The butt-trap contains a cylindrical steel container within which is housed a burnished steel combination tool. The replacement wooden ramrod has a bone tip.

Class: Antique

Very fine. The detailing and markings throughout remain distinct. The barrel retains strong traces of the original blued finish which is concentrated on the round section of the barrel, bright original gold, and a blend of gray and brown patina on the balance with some scattered storage scratches. The standing breech and forearm cap retain nearly all of their bright blued and gold finish. The lock and side-plate remain bright. The heel-plate is a mix of bright and light gray patina. The trigger-guard has bright gold and gray and brown patina with a hint of original blued finish to the grip extension. The stock is extremely fine with blemishes being found along the edges of the forearm, a small chip to the right side of the butt, chips around the heel-plate tang, and scattered minor storage and handling marks. The stock retains crisp checkering with some scattered storage scratches and beautiful sharp carving. The cylinder containing the combination tool has a small wear hole in the lid. The combination tool is excellent. Mechanically fine. As noted by W. Keith Neal, this piece rivals the best work from Madrid in the period and illustrates the extraordinary talents of the Spanish gunma
more... Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

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Parisian Flintlock Double Barrel Shotgun

Lot # 319 (Sale Order: 318 of 664)      

Cased Ornate Game Panel Scene Engraved and Gold-Inlaid Parisian Flintlock Double Barrel Shotgun

With blued Damascus barrels respectively signed "Gilain" and "A Paris" in ornate gilt script with scrolling accents, silver blade front sight, platinum vent liners, and a "TLC" gold-lined stamp on the bottom of the left barrel near the vent. The locks are signed "Blanchard" (right) and "a Paris" (left) below the frizzen springs. The locks and mounts are finished in French gray and engraved with finely detailed game scenes. The standing breech has a wolf's head engraved in the grooved rear sight along with floral patterns. The cocks of both locks feature wyverns, and the locks also feature finely detailed dogs at the centers and birds on the right and a hare on the left. The priming-pans are silver- or platinum-lined. The trigger-guard finial has a heron and floral patterns. The ramrod entry pipe finial has floral patterns and a gold-inlaid "CG" monogram. The trigger-guard bow features a fine hanging game scene with a dog seated below. The heel-plate has a scene of a dog biting a wolf on the neck. The figured walnut half-stock has a checkered forearm and swelled semi-pistol grip wrist, a sculpted comb, a cheekpiece on the left and a sling eye on the bottom. The second sling eye is on the central ramrod pipe. The gun comes in an oak case with a leather outer cover. The case contains a variety of loading and maintenance accessories, including a powder horn. Purchased by Norman R. Blank from Galerie Fischer, Luzern in November 1960. Includes an undated certificate of authenticity from F. Theodore Dexter for Norman R. Blank.

Class: Antique

Very fine with 80% plus of the original blue finish, bright gold and smooth French gray with aged patina on the balance, crisp engraving throughout, repaired right cock, and minor age related storage and handling wear. The wood is excellent and has crisp checkering, a few minor dings and light scratches. Mechanically excellent. The leather outer cover and case interior are fair with deterioration from age, and the case exterior and accessories are mostly fine with minor age and storage related wear. The powder horn's brass spout is loose-fitting. Overall, a very attractive cased French double barrel flintlock shotgun.

Provenance: Galerie Fischer; F. Theodore Dexter; The Norman R. Blank Collection

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1830 Dated Gold Inlaid Spanish Percussion Shotgun

Lot # 320 (Sale Order: 319 of 664)      

Exhibition Quality 1830 Dated Relief Chiseled, Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Spanish Percussion Shotgun with Relief Carved Stock

The breech end of the smoothbore barrel has "Fabricado/Por Manf. Bascaran de Herraduras/Ano 1830" in gold inlay indicating the barrel was made using recycled horseshoes, a prized metal source for barrels at the time, in 1830. The barrel also features gold inlaid scrolls and a gild blade front sight. The standing breech has a dished rear sight and floral engraving. The lock features scroll engraving with gilt backgrounds, deep borders, and a figural chiseled/engraved lion hammer. The side plate is a chiseled/engraved serpentine pattern with gilt accents. The trigger guard features scroll and floral patterns with gilt backgrounds as well, and the wedge escutcheons are silver. The stock has panels of checkering, raised relief carved bestial design at the back of the wrist, a curved cheekpiece terminating in another carved bestial motif with a pointed tongue, and "FM" on the left. The buttplate has light engraving and a sprung compartment containing some wads and rod attachments.

Class: Antique

Very fine overall with distinct gold inlaid designs and markings on the barrel along with a mix of faded original finish and smooth brown patina, generally strong gilt backgrounds, traces of case colors, smoky gray patina on the balance, some minor oxidation/pitting, one absent wedge escutcheon pin, and generally mild overall wear. The stock is also very fine and has distinct checkering and relief carving and mild overall wear mainly consisting of some scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.

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Felix Four Barrel Percussion Shotgun

Lot # 321 (Sale Order: 320 of 664)      

Scarce Felix Four Barrel Percussion Shotgun

This interesting four barrel percussion shotgun has Damascus pattern barrels with a post front sight and "INVON. DE FELIX P.P.PE DE LA MANUFRE ROYLE DE MAUBEUGE 1828" on the upper rib, "DOMBERT FRERES" on the bottom left barrel, and "Maubeuge" on the bottom right barrel. The boxlock action has external mainsprings for the four hammers and two triggers. Pulling the trigger back part way releases the upper hammers while a full pull will release both or the lower hammer if the upper has already been fired. The nicely figured two-piece pistol grip stock has a long rounded cheek rest on the left and a steel buttplate. The rear ramrod pipe has a slot for securing a forearm with a wedge.

Class: Antique

Very good with light Damascus patterns visible along the barrels, mottled gray and brown patina overall, light oxidation, a couple of absent screws (trigger guard and top plate), and mild overall wear. The loosely fitting stock is good with some separation at the joint of the butt to the grip, repaired crack at the toe, some small chips, spots repaired in the grain, and mild scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.

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Gilt Engraved Brass Barrel Wheellock Sporting Rifle

Lot # 322 (Sale Order: 321 of 664)      

Attractive Engraved Gilt Brass Barrel Wheellock Sporting Rifle

This unusual rifle dates to the mid-17th century, and was later purchased by Norman R. Blank at a Christie's auction on 8th July 1980, lot 69. In the Christie's catalog it was noted as coming from the collection of Prince Hohenzollern, Sigmaringen. The rifle has no visible maker's marks. The swamped octagonal brass barrel has eight-groove rifling, blade front and two-leaf rear sights, panels of floral engraving, and a gilt finish. The flat lock has an enclosed wheel and is also gilded and decorated with punched floral patterns. The mounts are also gilt brass. The blackened stock has relief floral and martial trophy pattern carving and the collection inventory number "261." in red paint.

Class: Antique

Very fine. The mid-17th century barrel with clear engraving, retaining 85% plus gilding to the upper five surfaces, and some dents to the upper surfaces. Lock with crisp punched decoration, retaining 90% plus gilding, stem of dog cracked. Stock is fine with numerous scattered scratches and dings. Later ramrod. Mechanism not tested. Overall, an attractive and certainly unusual early rifle with a rifled brass barrel.

Provenance: Hohenzollern Family Collection; Schloss Sigmarigen; The Norman R. Blank Collection

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Clan Stirling Cased Silver Mounted Ketland Flintlock Pistols

Lot # 323 (Sale Order: 322 of 664)      

Very Attractive Cased Pair of Engraved and Silver Mounted Ketland & Co. Flintlock Double Barrel Pistols with the Crest and Motto of Clan Stirling -A) Ketland & Co. Double Barrel Flintlock Pistol

Very Attractive Cased Pair of Engraved and Silver Mounted Ketland & Co. Flintlock Double Barrel Pistols with the Crest and Motto of Clan Stirling -A) Ketland & Co. Double Barrel Flintlock Pistol
This pair of pistols features side by side smoothbore barrels with Tower private proof marks, silver blade front sights, "LONDON" signed on the concave ribs, and beaded engraving at the breech ends. The standing breeches feature tulip type patterns on either side of the dished rear sights and additional floral and scroll engraving. The locks are signed "Ketland/& Co." at the center and have rollers on the frizzens, light engraving, beveled edges, and stepped tails. The furniture is silver with floral and border patterns, a stylized pineapple finial on the trigger guard, entwined letters "CS" on the pommel caps. The hallmarks date the silver to 1793 and also include "CF" silversmith marks (probably Charles Freeth). The silver oval wrist escutcheons and case lid escutcheon are inscribed with the motto "GANG FORWARD" (Go Forward) over a Moor's head and a torse. The case contains the pistols, a three-way combination flask with red Moroccan leather binding, a loading/cleaning rod with rammer and jag attachments and covered worm, flints, tow, and a ball mold. The motto and crest on the pistols and case were used by branches of Clan Stirling of the Scottish lowlands. Based on the crest and the initials, one possibility for the original owner is Charles Stirling (1742-1795) of Ardoch Penn in Jamaica, son of Sir Henry Stirling, Third Knight-Baronet of Ardoch (1688-1753). Charles was one of the executors of Archibald Sterling of Keir, and the Stirlings of Keir were among the branches that used the Moor's head and "Gang Forward" motto. There were also several other Charles Stirlings within the extended clan, including Charles Stirling (1760-1833), a vice admiral in the Royal Navy who served in the French Revolutionary Wars, Napoleonic Wars, and War of 1812.

Manufacture: British
Model: Flintlock Pistol
BBL: 8 inch solid rib
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 50
Finish: brown/casehardened/silver
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Class: Antique

Condition: Very good plus with crisp markings and engraving, attractive aged patina on the silver furniture, a mix of fading original brown and dark patina along the barrels, mix of fading original case colors and gray and brown patina on the locks and standing breech, some small dents in the pommel cap, and minor overall wear. The stock is fine and has distinct checkering, minor scratches and dings, and slight edge wear. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are fine with mild age and storage related wear.

B) Ketland & Co. Double Barrel Flintlock Pistol

Manufacture: British
Model: Flintlock Pistol
BBL: 8 inch solid rib
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 50
Finish: brown/casehardened/silver
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Class: Antique

Condition: Very good plus with crisp engraving and distinct markings, attractive aged patina displayed on the silver furniture throughout, fading original brown mixed with dark patina along the barrels, fading original case colors and gray and brown patina on the locks and standing breech, a few dents on the pommel cap, and otherwise fairly minor overall wear. The stock is fine and has distinct checkering, several minor scratches, small dings, and slight edge wear. Mechanically fine.

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Wheellock Sporting Rifle by Franz Xavier Zelner

Lot # 324 (Sale Order: 323 of 664)      

Extraordinary Gold Inlaid, Panel Scene Engraved, and Relief Carved Wheellock Sporting Rifle by Franz Xavier Zelner

This spectacular rifle from Franz Xavier Zelner (also Zellner) in Salzburg in the early 18th century features stunning embellishment throughout. The seven-groove rifled, swamped octagon barrel features engraving on the face of the muzzle, gold inlaid decor around the dovetailed blade front sight and breech section, an engraved three-leaf brass rear sight, "FRAN: XA: ZELNER. IN. SALZBURG." signed in gold inlay on the top flat, and a sunken maker's mark at the breech. The flat lockplate has an internal wheel leaving a large canvas for the stunning chiseled and engraved patterns covering nearly all of the visible surfaces and even much of the interior. the majority of the patterns are complex interlacing scrollwork. The lock also features a very finely detailed scene from a large deer hunt with both mounted and unmounted hunters, and a pack of dogs subduing stags. A fox is also engraved on the side of the priming pan, a pair of dogs are on the plate on the dog spring, and the dog itself features a scene of Diana or possibly Selene and an armored youth. The lock is signed "FRAN: XAVERI:/ZELLNER/IN. SALZBURG" ahead of the pan. The brass furniture primarily features elaborate cast, engraved, and chiseled scrollwork. The pierced side plate includes a mounted hunter and his dog. The stock features a mix of incised and raised relief carved scroll patterns that coordinate with the metalwork.

Class: Antique

Fine with 60% original blue finish, bright gold inlays, dark sunken maker's mark at the breech, mostly silver-gray patina on the lock, crisp signature and designs, and general mild overall wear. The stock is very good with distinct but lightly worn carving, some cracks and repairs, and general scratches and dings. The triggers need work. The lock mechanism is untested.

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Pair of Nicolas Renier Dutch Flintlock Pistols

Lot # 325 (Sale Order: 324 of 664)      

Pair of Engraved and Gilded Dutch Flintlock Pistols with Highly Figured Stocks by Nicolas Renier of Maastricht -A) Nicolas Renier Flintlock Pistol

Pair of Engraved and Gilded Dutch Flintlock Pistols with Highly Figured Stocks by Nicolas Renier of Maastricht -A) Nicolas Renier Flintlock Pistol
In "Der Neue Stockel" by Heer, Nicolas Renier is identified as active around 1695-1706 in Maastricht, Netherlands. The smoothbore three-stage barrels feature long brass blade front sights surrounded by border engraving, engraving and girdles at the transition points, engraved masks on the breech sections, gilt brass banding at the breech ends, and gilt brass tangs with floral and dot engraving. The beveled locks feature coordinating engraving including masks on the tails and have faceted priming pans and frizzens, ".3" and "..3" marked on the underside of the frizzens, and "NICOLAS RENIER A/MASTRICHT" signed below the pans. The gilt brass furniture features floral, scroll, and classical figure designs. The sideplates and wrist escutcheons feature pierced designs. The highly figured full-stocks have attractive molding and bulbous ramrod entry points.

Manufacture: European
Model: Flintlock
BBL: 12 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 65
Finish: bright/gilt
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Class: Antique

Condition: Very good with bright lock and barrel with some slight oxidation staining, much of the gilt finish remaining on the furniture, mostly distinct markings and designs, and general mild age and storage related wear. The refinished stock is good with cracks and repairs, distinct molding, and beautiful figure. Mechanically fine.

B) Nicolas Renier Flintlock Pistol
As described in "A".

Manufacture: European
Model: Flintlock
BBL: 12 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 65
Finish: bright/gilt
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Class: Antique

Condition: Very good with bright lock and barrel with mild oxidation staining mainly on the barrel, much of the gilt finish remaining on the furniture, mostly distinct markings and designs, and mild age and storage related wear. The refinished stock is good with cracks and repairs, distinct molding, and beautiful figure. Mechanically fine.

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Gold Embellished Silver Mounted French Flintlock Pocket Pistol

Lot # 326 (Sale Order: 325 of 664)      

Fine Gold Embellished, Silver Mounted, and Silver Wire Inlaid French Flintlock Pocket Pistol

The cannon shaped barrel has gold inlaid floral and martial patterns, oval "LC" maker's mark at the breech (LeClerc), "A/C" mark on the left, and a notch rear sight on the tang. The lock appears to be signed "LUSTRINGEV" over "A TOULON" and has floral accents. The furniture is silver and features a spread wing eagle with a wreath on the trigger guard bow, a man with a turban on the pommel cap, classical hunting and martial motifs, floral patterns, and French 800/1000 silver hallmarks from c. 1798-1809 along with a "JC" silversmith's mark. The stock also features extensive silver wire inlays.

Class: Antique

Fine with much of the original gold remaining, light original blue finish mixed with smooth brown patina and some mild pitting on the balance of the barrel, gray and brown patina on the lock, attractive aged patina on the silver furniture, some slivers of silver wire absent, and general minor wear on the wood. Mechanically needs work (not holding half or full-cock).

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1.178.0.859.0b0b16a.10.35