Though this rifle at first glance appears to be a traditional wheellock rifle, it is actually a muzzleloading air rifle with a concealed stock reservoir and a trapdoor on the buttplate for access. Johann Christian Wentzlau of Ehrnbeitstein is listed as active circa 1747-1784 and was a court gunsmith to the landgraves of Hesse-Darmstadt and also to Ehrenbreitstein fortress. He produced both "flintlock" (see the following lot) and "wheellock" air rifles for his wealthy clients, and they would have been primarily used for hunting. Some of these air guns could be readily converted to use black powder. Examples remain in the Berleburg Castle and the Kranichstein Hunting Museum. The tapered octagonal barrel is inscribed "WENTZLAV. A: EHRNBREITSTEIN: No. 107" on top and has dovetailed blade and notch sights. The rounded lock has no visible markings and contains a complete wheellock mechanism although there is no corresponding vent in the barrel. The rifle has an iron grip extension trigger guard enclosing adjustable double set triggers. The other mounts are also iron aside from the forend cap which is horn. The stock features some relief carving and has a false patchbox. The buttplate is inscribed "6" towards the toe. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Good with silver-gray patina, minor oxidation, distinct markings, some gaps in the fitting, and general mild wear. The set triggers are mechanically fine. The other mechanisms have not been tested.