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In some version s of the myth, she was given the mythical dog Laelaps who never failed to catch its quarry and a javelin that never missed, by Artemis, both of them she gave to her husband as part of their reconciliation. While trying to spy on her husband when he was out hunting because she still worried of infidelity, he mistook her for a wild animal and killed her with the javelin. The winged figure may be Zephyr or Aura who were suspected by Procris to be the lover of Cephalus in various tellings. Even the smaller details that are out of sight are ornate. Note the silver trigger plate has an engraved border and a floral finial, and
the trigger is also finely shaped and terminates in a scroll. The beautifully carved walnut stock has attractive molding along the forend and the fluted butt, a raised relief carved lion mask disgorging acanthus at the ramrod entry point, checkering in the grasping area, classical figures and floral patterns ahead of the side flats, a pair of seated classical figures pouring water or possibly wine on the left flat in a panel with a serrated background, domed silver grotesque masks serving as screw washers, a small cat above the floral carving at the rear of the side flats, floral blooms and acanthus
on top around the barrel tang, an intricate relief and raised relief carved bust that appears to represent
Neptune (note the small trident) or possibly Pluto, additional raised floral carving at the front of the butt incorporating a monkey on the right and a bird on the left, an alternating textured pattern along the bottom of the butt, and a sling swivel set in a silver floral bloom. The ramrod slides into an enclosed channel or tunnel rather than a usual open groove and is iron with a trumpet shaped head.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The designs on the
steel and silver remain distinct, the silver exhibits attractive natural aged patina, the lock is mostly a light gray patina, and the barrel retains bright gold in the maker’s mark and the majority of the brown finish and displays attractive Damascus twist patterns. The stock
is also exceptionally fine and has distinct carving and checkering, smooth finish, light handling and storage marks, very faint repairs at the lock mortise, and attractive grain. Mechanically excellent. This Neapolitan sporting gun has exceptional artistry and beauty throughout, certainly would have been worthy of ownership by an influential Italian prince, and absolutely is worthy of being placed on prominent display within an exceptional antique arms collection or museum. Provenance: The Robert M. Lee Collection.
Estimate: 50,000 - 75,000
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN "ANTIQUE ARMS ANNUAL" FROM 1971 AND THE WILLIAM M. LOCKE COLLECTION BY SELLERS
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