This late 17th century target rifle is signed as by Cloistre of Grenoble and is a very rare and interesting early transitional flintlock target rifle. Flintlock rifles in general from this period are already very rare, but this rifle is extraordinary in its overall design. The lock is not actually a "true flintlock," and only has a full-cock notch on the tumbler, but the cock has a small notch on the rear, and there is a rotating arm that would lock into this slot to act as a half-cock similar to a more common doglock of the period. The adjustable double set triggers must be set to bring have the lock hold at full-cock. The length of pull is under 12 inches, and the overall length is just 40 inches from the muzzle to the heel suggesting this rifle may have been built for someone of small stature, possibly the son of a nobleman or a woman, although when mounted on the chest it points naturally for a full-grown man. The barrel itself is a fascinating work of art and has fine polygroove rifling. It is shaped like pillars at the muzzle and breech end. The muzzle is squared and has a small post front sight in a long dovetail and has light floral engraving. The main section of the barrel is round with a series of long flutes with dots at the ends. The breech section is signed "Cloistre" on top and has floral and mask engraving. A raised octagonal piece at the breech end has a small notch for a rear sight. The upper tang has a woman's face and floral accents. The unusual rounded lock has raised floral patterns on the cock and frizzen, "CLOISTRE A GRENOBLE" signed along the bottom, scroll engraving inhabited by a Greek style sphinx at the center, and a pair of masks among the scrolls. The iron trigger guard has spire shaped finials and finger grooves. The sideplate has pieced scrolling designs with a pair mythical beasts and men, one holding what appears to be a giant's head. The butt has a small oval plate. The stock is finely figured throughout and has raised floral and scroll carving, a "pistol-grip" shaped wrist that serves as a thumbrest, hooked comb, and fine molding.

Very good with mostly smooth gray patina along the barrel, some areas of light oxidation, minor pitting at the vent and lock, crisp engraving and markings, minor vice marks at the breech, and generally fairly minor overall wear. The refinished stock is also very good and has attractive figure and crisp carving, a number of original filled knots and other pieces, two iron pins through the wrist, repaired sections in the middle of the forend among the carving, residue in the carving, and some light scratches and marks. Mechanically fine.