This rifle is likely Danish and from c. 1690-1710. The brass "HL/48" tag on the bottom of the stock was noted as from the Langenburg Castle, the historic home of the princes of Hohenlohe-Langenburg. The swamped barrel has a blade front sight, two-leaf rear sight with scroll finial, and three halberdier marks on the upper flats at the breech (Der Neue Stockel 5067). The rounded lock has raised mask and floral scroll engraving. The furniture is iron with attractive high relief sculpted scrolls bestial masks and pierced designs. The stock and patchbox lid have coordinating raised relief scroll carving. The designs throughout are very much in line with the patterns published by French engraver Claude Simonin in the late 17th century. The trigger plate has a single set trigger and a sliding safety button with a mask design. Provenance: The Tom Lewis Collection

Very good with crisp cast designs on the metal, a dull gray patina throughout the metal, some minor spotting, cast texture visible on the lock, and mild overall wear. The stock is also fine and has distinct carving, an old coating, some thin cracks and small chips mainly in the forend, and general mild overall wear. The lock is mechanically fine, but the trigger needs some attention.