Fine & Rare Central European Wheel Lock Sporting Rifle
with heavy round 31 inch rifled barrel cut with 8 grooves and profusely chiselled with foliate scroll decoration including armoured figure at the breech end, swamped muzzle with fore sight surrounded by chiselled monster head , plain lock plate, engraved wheel with foliate surround, feather spring chiselled with a reclining lady, walnut stock decorated ensuite with the barrel, carved with delicate foliate fronds and scrolls, set triggers, pierced trigger guard depicting a mermaid and reptilian finial, butt plate with finely chiselled tang, rear ramrod pipe in the shape of another reptile, original steel ramrod In exceptionally well preserved but uncleaned condition. Note: This rifle was found in a peat bog on the Ben Damph Estate; the previous home of the Earls of Lovelace. It is thought to have been supplied, possibly by the French, to the Jacobites and subsequently hidden in the bog. Provenance: Torridon House, Home of The Earls of Lovelace.