This circa 1750 flintlock sporting gun was made using an ornately patterned textured Damascus barrel in the Ottoman style with silver inlays, a blade front sight, and a silver and gold calligraphic marking on top of the breech section and retained by a single brass barrel-band. This form of barrel proved popular in Europe following the relief of the Siege of Vienna in 1683 with imitations of captured Ottoman barrels remaining fashionable into the mid-18th century. The barrel tang and rounded lock are burnished steel, and the latter has a semi-rainproof priming-pan. The mounts are brass. The walnut half stock has relief carving mainly consisting of scroll patterns as well as a brass forearm cap, wood grip extension trigger-guard with brass reinforcement, and a cheekpiece. With original wooden ramrod with brass-capped dark horn tip. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Fine with attractive mix of gray and brown patina and distinct Damascus patterns along the barrel as well as aged patina to the silver inlays, bright lock and tang, attractively aged patina on the fine brass mounts, and generally minimal age and storage related wear. The stock is fine and has crisp carving, minor dings and scratches, and a few chips along the edges. Mechanically excellent. This is a very distinctive mid-18th century Germanic sporting gun with an extraordinary barrel and will surely add interest to any antique arms collection.