This very attractive flintlock sporting carbine or jaegerstutzen is signed "A: SPALECK" on the lock at the frizzen spring. On page 1199 of "Der Neue Stockel" by Herr it notes that Anton Spaleck began his apprenticeship in Vienna c. 1723 and was active until c. 1750. This rifle also has the coat of arms of Liechtenstein on the wrist escutcheon. It dates to the life of Joseph Wenzel I, Prince of Liechtenstein (1696-1772), who was noted as being the last of the Liechtenstein arms collectors who added to their famous collection (see "Firearms from the Collections of the Prince of Liechtenstein" by Stuart Pyhrr). The extensively fluted barrel has eight-groove rifling, a dovetailed silver blade front sight, gilt brass notch and folding leaf rear sight with ornate scroll finial, an unusual ribbed design, and a short engraved tang inscribed with a "2" indicating the rifle was part of a pair. The lock is flat with beveled edges, a non-bridled faceted priming pan, and detailed engraving including a boar hunt on the plate and hound and chiseled bestial mask on the cock. The rifle is fired using adjustable double set triggers and has gilt brass mounts featuring cast and engraved scrollwork, masks, and hunting scenes. The wood ramrod has a spiral pattern gilt brass tip. The full-length walnut stock features attractive molding and scroll carving along with a cheekpiece on the left, and patchbox. The rifle is accompanied by a copy of a document recording purchases made by Norman R. Blank on May 16, 1964, indicating that Blank traded W. Keith Neal a Tschinke wheellock rifle he had purchased from Albert Malafronte for an "Austrian flintlock carbine...with arms of Lichtenstein" along with $250 for the balance he owed for a Griffin & Tow double pair he had purchased from Neal in November of 1963. Provenance: W. Keith Neal; The Norman R. Blank Collection

Fine with silver-gray patina and faint oxidation on the lock and barrel, crisp engraving throughout, some of the gilt finish remaining on the mounts along with aged patina, and generally fairly minor overall wear. The restored stock is also fine and has crisp engraving, some cracks and repairs concentrated in the forend, and light scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.