Germany - 18th Century - Mid to Late - Stohr, Hanau - Powder horn, Shot charger - Jäger - Flintlock - Musket - 17 mm

This is a very beautiful flintlock Jäger musket circa 1770 to 1790 by the Hesse-Hanau gunsmith I. C. Stöhr. This type of lightweight gun was favoured by hunters and gamekeepers who often joined the Hessian ranger units sent to America during the Revolution. The flat stepped lock is original and marked I. C. Stohr/ A. Hanau. some of the external lock parts have been restored and the flint sparks beautifully. All metal surfaces have the same nice dull patina as the barrel, showing only light oxidation. The musket features a bone or similar material nose-cap, iron ramrod thimbles and tailpipe. The Jäger-style trigger guard has a large rearward curving "grip". There is a heavy faceted butt-plate and very well fitting and original iron backed sliding wooden patch-box cover with typical Stohr/Germanic design. The counter-lock or side-plate is in the style of the Jäger guns of this period. The German walnut stock is truly magnificent, and appears to be literally on fire; it really must be seen to be fully appreciated. There are raised “islands” around the lock and counterlock, with a nice carved rosette close to the left-side cheek-piece. There is slight evidence of a repair to the wrist, which has been solidly fixed and can hardly be seen. The gun also has an attendant powder horn and leather shot bag that date around the same period as the gun and could be a long term partnering of these items.