A deluxe flintlock rifle, Vienna, circa 1730/40

Round, slightly tapered barrel of finely grained Damascus steel with mounted midrib and slightly swamped muzzle. Smooth bore in 16 mm calibre. At the breech rich gold and silver inlays with depiction of a horse-mounted huntsman with dog amidst scrollwork. Finely engraved tang. Lock cut with three-dimensional décor underlaid in gold. On the lock plate recumbent Diana amidst trophy decoration. Blued lock screws. Walnut full stock with finely carved decoration. Furniture of fire-gilt brass superbly decorated with hunting scenes in rich relief. Wooden ramrod with horn tip. Length 144 cm.
Provenance:Private collection of the renowned weaponry expert Hans Schedelmann, acquired from Ettersburg Castle.
Condition:I - II