Contemporary Flintlock Rifle with Venus and Adonis Motifs

Contemporary Flintlock Rifle with Venus and Adonis Motifs

John B. Derrick (American, b.1936)
.40 caliber. 31" two stage octagonal to round barrel. SN: NSN. Bright metal finish. Full length walnut stock has large carved rococo style scroll on left side of wrist, neoclassical molding and bird's head motif around tail of lockplate, and incised lines with rococo scroll on both sides of forearm. Flintlock style rifle with two leaf folding notch rear sight and blade front sight. Stock is fitted with carved elk horn panels and figural fittings overall that depict the story of Venus and Adonis in successive pattern, as "Amorous Venus drags young Adonis off his horse as he rides by, she hunts with him, but only for rabbits and warns him about dangerous boars, to no avail," according to consignor notes. Carved elk horn fitting on left side of buttstock shows the two lovers along with a Shakespeare quote vignette that reads I'll be a park./Thou shalt be my deer./Feed where thou wilt./On mountain or... Item features cast brass thimbles, cast brass triggerguard with boar motif, and cast brass ball rest in the form of a Turk's head. Item features double set triggers, a single sling swivel, single boar's head sling swivel stud, and a patchbox with cover that is carved elk horn depicting what appears to be the temple of Venus. Included with item is a wood ramrod with carved elk horn tip.

Arms, Armor & Militaria

Very good. Bore is bright. Finish has a few small pit marks scattered overall. Wood stock is in good condition. Action is functional.