Rare Documented Dutch Wheellock Sporting Gun, ca. 1630

Description

From the famous Henk Visser collection, this gun is featured in “The Visser Collection Vol.
1, Part 4″, catalog no. 765 on pages 210 and 211. Similar style stocks are noted on three
wheellock carbines attributed to Utrecht makers now in the Kremlin Armoury (see pages
82-87 in “Dutch Guns in Russia” by Yablonskaya). Octagonal 52″ swamped barrel of 28
gauge is very graceful and is fitted with dovetailed low profile brass front blade and rear
notch sights; struck with three marks at the breech and a “PG” maker’s mark. Large flat
lock secured with two screws, external wheel, manually operated pan cover that slides over
the edge of the pan, and acorn-shaped finial on the tail of the lock that matches the tails of
the long trigger plate and trigger guard. The full-length walnut stock is fitted with a mix of
iron and brass mounts, including pierced brass accents on the wrist and side flat, a sliding
wood patchbox lid, and octagonal butt with graceful drop. Wood brass-tipped ramrod with
worm. Visser Collection inventory number “1183” marked in white on the reverse side of
the stock. Very good condition, the steel cleaned to a silver-gray patina with scattered
surface pitting, aged patina on the brass, some older replacement parts, restored stock
with filled insect holes and subtle repairs, and mild dings and scratches. Lock not tested. A
very attractive and unusually long wheellock sporting gun. Overall length 66 1/4″.
Provenance: The H.L. Visser Collection.