Lot 340
**Originally Listed At $4000**
Western Europe, Spain, used primarily in North America, ca. late 18th to early 19th century CE. A fabulous model 1803 Spanish infantry rifle with an integral forestock and backstock carved from caramel-hued hardwood. The forestock has a semicircular profile meant to hold the front of the steel barrel as well as a ram rod beneath, and the back half of the barrel is octagonal. The 1803 model was issued to Spanish soldiers in the borderlands of the southwest. It saw copious amounts of action in the final decades of Spanish rule in America, then in the hands of the Mexican soldiers after the 1821 separation from Spain. Fine brass embellishments include a side plate, a trigger guard, and a backstock plate. A maker's mark reading "EX DVI" is visible atop the back of the barrel, and another reading "S . . . " above a crowned "R" is shown on one side of the back stock. Size: 46.75" L (118.7 cm).
For a stylistically similar example of a model 1803 rifle, please see: Chamberlain, Pierce A. "Spanish Military Weapons in Colonial America, 1700-1821." Stackpole Books, pp. 36-37, plates 33-35.
Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most Antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
#149232
- Condition: Loosening and minor nicks to rings around barrel and forestock, areas of backstock and wood above trigger, and forestock on either side of ram rod. Slight bending to overall forms of some brass elements, with inactive insect damage to scattered wooden areas, and light encrustations. Makers' marks are mostly faded but still visible. Nice patina throughout. Rifle has not been tested for firing capability.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |