Chr. Gottfried Steudel is identified in "Der Neue Stockel" by Herr as active in Baudissin, Saxony, c. 1730-1750. This late wheellock rifle was acquired by Norman R. Blank from Schloss Kranischstein via W. Keith Neal on August 1, 1959. A certificate of authenticity from F. Theodore Dexter to Mr. Blank is also included listing the rifle as from 1640 and as having "Unusual High Art chiselled ornamentation." The swamped octagonal barrel has eight-groove rifling, engraving on the muzzle, silver inlays around the dovetailed brass blade front sight, a three-leaf notch rear sight with scroll finial, "CH: GO: STEVDEL:A BVDISSIN:" in a silver inlaid scroll on top ahead of a silver inlaid classical figure and scrollwork, and a scroll engraved tang. The flat lock has beveled edges and an internal wheel, and is engraved with detailed hunting scenes along with "CHRL GOTTFRIED/STEVDEL" signed ahead of the priming pan. The wrist escutcheon has a coronet, a portrait of a huntress, and a mask and scrollwork. The sideplate features pierced scrollwork, a stag, eagle mask, and figures. The trigger guard also has an engraved stag vignette. The walnut stock has shell and scroll carvings and cheekpieces on both the left and right. An old "1852" marked tag is attached to the trigger guard. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Very fine with 60% original blue finish remaining along the barrel, as well as attractively aged patina on the silver inlays, silver-gray patina on the lock which displays crisp engraving, aged patina on the brass mounts which have generally distinct designs, and rather minor overall wear from age and storage. The stock is also very fine and has crisp carving, minor scratches and dings, and an old filled knot at the front of the comb on the left. Mechanically untested.