(A) SPANISH HALF-STOCK FLINTLOCK FOWLER SIGNED ESQUIBEL

Barrel signed on top for Diego Esquibel, circa 1694-1732, with deeply struck clear poincons and gold damascened "Esquibel", "Ano de 1725" and "En Madrid" with small stars, evidence of gilding in poincons. Octagon to round barrel with spider web bead front sight and chisel engraved beaded wedding band and geometrics. Barrel has replaceable touchhole made of brass. Highly decorated flint lock with mythological chiseled engraved scene with a goddess in a chariot pulled by geese (likely Venus or Freyja) and escorted by cherubim. Marked behind cock "Deplann A Prag" for Johann Deplan, one of the well known lockmakers from Prague active between 1727 and 1740. Figured walnut stock with raised floral scroll carving behind tang and at cheekpiece. Incised carved all wood trigger guard covering a turned tail single trigger. Instead of a buttplate there is an incised carved outline of a buttplate with facade screws with design reaching onto heel. Stock has iron barrel band and iron faceted ramrod ferrules. Loop front sling swivel and square rear sling swivel. Horn nosepiece. Comes with hardwood ramrod. Lock fits in the mortise correctly and was no doubt made for the stock and gun; possibly a special order made to marry one of the foremost barrel makers with a foremost lock maker. CONDITION: Excellent, with a European style gentle cleaning over that has left some age spots on the polished finish. Lock has remnants of highly polished finish with exposed areas having most wear and a few age spots. Barrel band has a braze repair at top. Wood has traces of original finish with small scratches and dings. Toe has well executed repair probably done in the period, one small dime sized piece missing at heel. Bore is very good with a minimum of oxidation, sear does not quite catch on full cock but holds cleanly on half. An extremely attractive piece, likely made to order. EW Barrel Length: 39 - 1/2" Caliber/Bore: .62 Smoothbore FFL Status: Antique Manufacturer: Esquibel Model: Fowler Serial Number: NSN