Lot Nr.31

A fine flintlock rifle from an imperial Russian armoury,

Marcus Zellner in Vienna, circa 1720. An octagonal Damascus barrel, lightly constricted in the middle with a seven-groove rifled bore in 15 mm calibre. Dovetailed brass sights. Muzzle and base of the barrel are richly inlaid with gold scroll decoration (inlays incomplete in places). Signed, "Marcus Zelner" on the chamber. Finely engraved flintlock with a hunting scene and another signature, "Marcus Zelner in Wienn". Beautifully carved walnut full stock (minor repairs to the butt stock), with fire-gilded furniture, richly sculpted with hunting scenes amid vine decoration. The trigger guard has a removable hand rest. A bone and ebony wind rose inlaid on the cheek piece. Buttstock has a patch box. Fire-gilded silver escutcheon in the shape of the Russian double eagle. Wooden ramrod with brass tip. Length 110.5 cm.
Provenance: Count Keller Collection from St. Petersburg. The contents of the collection were auctioned in Sweden in 1920.
Marcus Zellner 1693 - 1758, was active in Salzburg and Vienna.

Condition: II

Limit: 20000 EURO

20000 EURO