German Wheel-lock Sporting Rifle by Johann Michaell Limmer

About Auction

Live

Auction No. 120 Featuring Fine Collectible Ar...

By Amoskeag Auction Company

Nov 17, 2018

Set Reminder 2018-11-17 09:00:00 2018-11-17 09:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Auction No. 120 Featuring Fine Collectible Arms Day 1 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/amoskeag-auction-company/auction-no-120-featuring-fine-collectible-arms-day-1-3610
Fine Antique and Collectable Sporting and Military Arms Featuring items from the collections of Cletus Klein, Tim Falvey, Dr. Jess Lewis, Dr. Louis C. March Jr., Roy Jinks & Others Amoskeag Auction Company amanda@amoskeagauction.com

View Full Catalog (697)

• Lot Description
  About .64 cal, 26'' octagon barrel, very lightly swamped at the muzzle, with a bright otherwise about excellent bore which shows only some sparsely scattered very light oxidation or light pitting. This is a very attractive wheel-lock with an ornate chiseled and engraved lock mechanism. The barrel proper is a pewter and plum patina showing remnants of a scant brass blade front sight and two leaf rear, one standing one folding, with a period-added lollipop-style aperture sight atop the wrist area. The lockplate and all its attendant parts are a pleasing smooth pewter patina with the plate proper showing endearing, somewhat-folky engraving of hunter amidst a woodland scene, a rearward-looking stag ahead of him. The dog head and its spring are equipped with a bridle or cover which is lightly engraved with what appears to be a Roman bust, the dog head itself showing a very endearing engraving of a medieval-style griffon or dragon. The dog head spring is lightly chiseled and the cocking portion of the head itself has a graceful S-curve with turned button top. The wheel cover is engraved with the makers name ''Johann Michaell Limmer/in Cronach'' showing light engraving as well. The triggerguard has a chiseled and engraved finial front extension with a faceted bow and three-place finger rest at its rear. The arm is equipped with a set trigger and the mechanism seems to function well. The rifle is stocked in European walnut, the stock itself rating about very good for its age, showing an old cleaning many years ago which has left some of the edges and some of the carvings slightly soft. There are the expected light dings and handling marks that come from the years with incise carved ribs on each side of the ramrod channel and remnants of light floral carving at its rear. There is a bit of scroll ahead of the triggerguard extension, at the rear of the left stock flat and atop the ''wrist'' or cheekrest area. The arm is equipped with a sliding wooden patchbox which has an iron clamshell front extension, it appears original to the gun in every respect. There is a horn nosecap present at the tip, bail-style sling swivel midway down the forend's length and a neat swivel stud affixed at the butt. The barrel is clearly an older iron barrel, no doubt of smaller caliber, that was extended by Limmer, faint remnants of a seam can be seen 4 1/4'' from the muzzle as well as an antique filled dovetail. After expertly fusing the two pieces of iron, Limmer rifled the barrel, as inspection of the interior reveals no evidence of a seam and the rifling is perfect throughout. The touchole area was redone by Limmer at the time and faint remnants of what is likely the original makers name remain on the top flat to the rear of the rear sight, doubtless cleaned by Limmer while making his modifications. The arm has what is likely its original antique brass-tipped ramrod present, the stock shows a number of old repairs which were very well-done many many years ago. Limmer's father, Johan Hans, was a gunmaker in Cronach, Johan Michael Limmer being active slightly after the wheel-lock period, this example was fabricated by him no doubt as a showpiece for display or exhibition as testament to Limmer's work as a gunsmith of talent. Overall a very attractive early 18th century wheel-lock still in a very fine state of condition. (38737-378) {ANTIQUE} [Dr. Louis C. March Jr. Collection]
• Shipping Info

  • Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. will make every effort to ship items in a timely fashion. All items, with the exception of modern handguns, are shipped via UPS Ground unless other arrangements have been made. • All modern handguns are shipped via UPS Next Day Air service. • Buyer is responsible for any and all shipping charges. • Orders are shipped in the order in which they are paid. PICKING UP MERCHANDISE • OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY AND TUESDAY FOLLOWING THE SALE. No merchandise will be delivered on those days. We will resume normal business hours on Wednesday. • Our office hours are Monday through Friday - 8:00 am to 4:00pm. Please call ahead prior to arriving to pickup your merchandise.

• Buyer's Premium
  • 20.50 %