This rifle was built c. 1720 in Vienna by gunmaker Marcus Zelner (1683–1758). The swamped barrel has seven-groove rifling, a dovetailed blade front sight and notch rear sight, gold inlaid scrollwork and "MARCUS•ZELNER•IN•WIENN" on top on the breech section, and an engraved tang with a "1" among the designs indicating it was part of a pair. The flat lock has an internal wheel and is engraved with a detailed scene of Diana, goddess of the hunt, surrounded by her retinue, hounds, and slain game. The gilt brass side plate features Diana with a hound outside of a walled city surrounded by scrollwork with pierced accents. The rifle is also equipped with adjustable double set triggers. The mounts are engraved and gilt brass, and the finger groove trigger guard includes a "1" on the bow. The walnut stock has carved scrollwork, wood patchbox lid, and a large cheekpiece. Norman R. Blank purchased this rare rifle from W. Keith Neal on July 27, 1962, (a dated tag is in the patchbox). The rifle was featured in "Country Life" Vol. 132 on p. 400. Provenance: W. Keith Neal; The Norman R. Blank Collection

Very fine with 75% plus original fire blue and gold finish remaining, mild oxidation, mostly bright lock, distinct engraving and markings, and mild overall wear. The stock is fine and has some cracks and repairs, distinct carving, and some scratches and dings. The lock has not been tested.