Lot 106: Early 17th Century Suhl Spanish Butt Matchlock Musket and Rest

This musket is featured and discussed on pages 34-35 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume 1: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George Moller and listed as a "Suhl Spanish Butt Musket, Circa 1602." Moller notes that Suhl was a major source of muskets for multiple European countries in the 17th century. The lock has the "SVL" (Suhl) control mark and a "LS/head" mark (see Der Neue Stockel no. 3877). The barrel has the Suhl "hen" marking along with the "SVL" control mark, another partially obscured mark, an "E" and a deep shield shaped mark. The barrel also has a post front sight and an empty dovetail at the breech. The pan is attached to the barrel at the breech via the fence which is mortised into the barrel and has a sliding cover. The serpentine arm has a simple bestial design. The Spanish style stock has "E 14" above the tail of the lock and on the left flat. A fork rest with acorn design on the forks and a length of worn cord are included. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very good with gray and brown patina and some minor pitting on the metal and mild wear. The stock is fair and is spliced from the ramrod entry forward and has some other repairs, insect damage, and hairline cracks. Mechanically fair.