Spanish Miquelet Fowling Gun, Last Quarter 18th C

Description

High quality half stock fowling piece with miquelet lock deeply stamped with the mark of
Domingo Gabiola of Eibar (probably the younger, active ca. 1790-1815), chiseled and
engraved with flowers and foliage. Octagonal to round 35″ barrel of approximately .69
caliber with decorative silver foresight, silver foliate inlay at the breech (some loss near the
vent), and deeply stamped at the breech with numerous gold-inlayed marks, including the
mark of Agostino Bustindui (Madrid and Eibar, ca. 1740-1802). Gold-lined vent and
engraved gold-filled acanthus band where the barrel transitions from octagonal to round.
Walnut half stock with period modification adding a padded leather cheek piece (worn and
flaking) and relief-carved classical foliate decoration at rear of lock, barrel tang, and fore
end. Applied collection mark “W22″ on side of butt. Steel mounts engraved with shell and
foliate designs; including butt plate, side plate, single barrel band, and trigger guard
bearing another stamped Bustindui mark, this one also with the initials “VGN”. Steel
ramrod with flared end. Shows much age and use, with light pitting on barrel, tight crack
on stock forward of the lock, and loss to silver and gold inlays. Fantastic markings! Overall
length 50 1/2″.