Hans (Johann/Johannes) Stifter was a gunmaker for the court of the Elector of Saxony in the 1660s, and his shop was reportedly taken over by his son Johann Christoph Stifter in 1677, and the latter moved to Dresden c. 1700. Also see Lot 3326 for another Stifter rifle dated 1671. This rifle is noted as having been one of Norman R. Blank's favorite wheellocks thanks to its inlay work and engraving. The swamped octagonal barrel is signed "HANS [sunken maker's mark] STIFTER" and dated "1680" on the breech section. The barrel also features seven-groove rifling, circles on the muzzle, a dovetailed brass blade front sight, a dovetailed notch rear sight, engraved figure and foliate scrollwork at the breech, and a short tang. The flat lock plate features a foliate tail finial, an elaborate scene with a variety of figures and foliage, "M-Z. SculpFit" signed below the coordinatingly engraved gilt brass wheel cover, a pierced and engraved figure on the dog, and masks on the brass stirrup and pan release button. The lock is fired using adjustable double set triggers pierced foliate finial on the rear of the trigger plate and coordinating finials on the extended iron finger groove trigger guard. The stock features fine molding and engraved stag-horn mounts and inlays, including a very attractive patchbox lid with a lion and foliate patterns, a pair of fighting dogs inlaid above the patchbox, deer, and a scene of a hunter and his dogs fighting a bear on the cheekpiece. Both the original and the current buttplates have "No. 31" marked on the rear, and "B ' Z" is inscribed on the inlay by the barrel tang. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Very good with some restoration, including replacement buttplate and screws (originals also included), silver-gray patina and minor oxidation staining/pitting on the iron, distinct engraving and markings, aged patina on the brass, somewhat loose and bent pan button, and general mild overall wear, including some scratches and cracks in the stock. Lock not tested. Triggers mechanically fine.