80. Auction

Flintlock rifle, set trigger, octagonal barrel, patchbox, probably 2nd half of the 18th century

Wood, iron and brass-coloured metal. Flintlock rifle, probably 2nd half of the 18th century, with rifled octagonal barrel (straight rifling) and set trigger, full stock of honey-brown wood extending to the muzzle, the butt with raised cheekpiece and patchbox with sliding lid, containing balls. Brass-coloured mounts: butt plate, curved trigger guard with long, scrolled rear extension and side plate. Two triggers (set trigger). Flintlock with swan-neck cock with ball finial and upright frizzen, the flat lock plate with pointed tail without discernible signature. On the barrel the base of a broken-off sight, probably a folding sight. Ramrod present. In the wood of the butt twice a crowned “U”, below it diagonally probably “TU.KII”, on the edge to the butt plate a “W” or “M”. Mechanism not functional, the cock does not engage, metal stained with light surface rust, wood with scratches and shrinkage gaps at the lock plate. Condition commensurate with age. Please inspect. L. 141 cm.

From the 17th to the early 19th century the flintlock was the dominant ignition system of hand firearms, before it was superseded by the percussion lock. A set trigger, a second trigger for setting a light trigger pull, is part of the equipment of hunting and target rifles. Flintlock weapons of models developed before 1871 are exempt from licensing under Annex 2 of the German Weapons Act (WaffG) for persons aged 18 and over.