Description:

Near East, Persia / Iran, ca. 19th century CE. A lengthy marksman's rifle used primarily for battle rather than hunting. The stock has a unique curved profile with a flared butt end, though the original purpose of this curvature is hotly-debated amongst firearms experts. The forestock is comprised of two pieces of wood and supports the tubular barrel with three thin brass rings securing it in place; a fourth brass ring holds the back of the barrel along with the bi-pronged sight. The matchlock mechanism is operated by a small, grooved lever protruding from the bottom of the handle which causes the serpentine to lower a slow-burning match towards the flash pan, igniting the priming powder reservoir. Also included is a wood-and-iron stake mount. This mount enables the marksman to accurately aim the rifle from a prone position without needing both hands to stabilize it. Size (rifle): 48.5" L (123.2 cm); size (mount): 23.375" H (59.4 cm).

Provenance: private Ventura County, California, USA collection

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#130329

  • Condition: Rifle has surface wear commensurate with age and use, oxidation to rifle, slight bending to serpentine and lever, and small losses to portions of handle, butt end, and forestock. Tarnishing and some loosening to brass rings, with light oxidation marks underneath. Mount has age-commensurate surface wear and some oxidation to iron elements, otherwise intact and very good.

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January 18, 2018 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$2,000 $4,999 $250
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$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000