A German wheellock puffer, lavishly inlaid in... Lot n° 2007

The smooth octagonal barrel turning to round, in 12.5 mm calibre, with a conical, flared muzzle. Part of the surface of the barrel with floral engraving. The wheellock with chiselled springs, encapsulated wheel and pivoting safety, pan with spring-loaded cover and release button. The walnut stock entirely covered with inlays of engraved, blackened bone in the shape of animals, mascarons and fine decorative tendrils of hop blossoms. Flattened ball knob with en suite embellishment, a man's head delicately engraved on the butt plate. An inlay with the date "1573" below "VZ" in front of the lock. Trigger guard and belt hook on the left in iron, the replaced wooden ramrod with engraved bone tip. A small defect in the inlays on the right forearm. Length 56 cm. Provenance: Sotheby's London, The C. G. Vokes Collection, 13.6.1952, lot 151, thereafter Christie's London, Auction 6701, lot 240. Condition: II