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Learn More17th-Century Wheellock Rifle
- This wheellock rifle was previously held in the Art Institute of Chicago
- The 31 1/2-inch barrel features relief chiseling with foliate designs, scrollwork and inlay
- The original six-groove rifling represents advanced 17th-century firearms technology
- Stunning inlays cover the stock in scroll, foliate, martial and animal motifs
- Get complete item description here
$44,500
Item No.
32-1701
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Description
Wheellock Rifle
Circa 1650
This exceptional wheellock rifle represents the pinnacle of 17th-century European firearms artistry, combining martial functionality with extraordinary decorative craftsmanship. De-accessioned from the renowned George F. Harding Jr. Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, this embellished arm exemplifies the period when firearms were symbols of status and refined taste among the European aristocracy. Created circa 1650, the 31 1/2-inch round barrel features intricate relief chiseling depicting foliate designs, scrollwork and. . .
Circa 1650
This exceptional wheellock rifle represents the pinnacle of 17th-century European firearms artistry, combining martial functionality with extraordinary decorative craftsmanship. De-accessioned from the renowned George F. Harding Jr. Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, this embellished arm exemplifies the period when firearms were symbols of status and refined taste among the European aristocracy. Created circa 1650, the 31 1/2-inch round barrel features intricate relief chiseling depicting foliate designs, scrollwork and. . .
Read More
Wheellock Rifle
Circa 1650
This exceptional wheellock rifle represents the pinnacle of 17th-century European firearms artistry, combining martial functionality with extraordinary decorative craftsmanship. De-accessioned from the renowned George F. Harding Jr. Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, this embellished arm exemplifies the period when firearms were symbols of status and refined taste among the European aristocracy. Created circa 1650, the 31 1/2-inch round barrel features intricate relief chiseling depicting foliate designs, scrollwork and classical figures, demonstrating the gunsmith's mastery of metal ornamentation. A silver band adorns the muzzle, while the bore retains its original six-groove rifling—an advanced feature for the era that significantly improved accuracy.
The rifle's stock showcases an elaborate program of engraved staghorn, bone inlays executed in scroll, foliate, martial and animal motifs that cover nearly every surface. The butt bears a coat of arms, suggesting commission by a member of the nobility or gentry. The lock features a characteristic domed wheel cover, while the rifle is equipped with double-set triggers and a finger-groove trigger guard, refinements that enhanced precision shooting. Both blade front and two-leaf rear sights further attest to this weapon's sophisticated design for serious marksmanship.
This rifle was acquired from the renowned George F. Harding Jr. Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, one of America's most significant assemblages of arms and armor. George F. Harding Jr. (1868-1939) amassed one of the finest private collections of military artifacts in the United States, which was later bequeathed to the Art Institute. His discriminating eye and substantial resources allowed him to acquire masterworks that now reside in major museums worldwide. This rifle was purchased by Harding from dealer W.H. Fenton in 1925, during the golden age of American collecting when European aristocratic collections were dispersing to institutions and connoisseurs across the Atlantic.
31 1/2" barrel, 54 caliber
42 1/4" long x 2 3/4" wide x 5 3/4" deep
Provenance:
W.H. Fenton George F. Harding Jr. Collection (acquired 1925)
Art Institute of Chicago (reference number 1982.3313)
Private collection, United States
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Circa 1650
This exceptional wheellock rifle represents the pinnacle of 17th-century European firearms artistry, combining martial functionality with extraordinary decorative craftsmanship. De-accessioned from the renowned George F. Harding Jr. Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, this embellished arm exemplifies the period when firearms were symbols of status and refined taste among the European aristocracy. Created circa 1650, the 31 1/2-inch round barrel features intricate relief chiseling depicting foliate designs, scrollwork and classical figures, demonstrating the gunsmith's mastery of metal ornamentation. A silver band adorns the muzzle, while the bore retains its original six-groove rifling—an advanced feature for the era that significantly improved accuracy.
The rifle's stock showcases an elaborate program of engraved staghorn, bone inlays executed in scroll, foliate, martial and animal motifs that cover nearly every surface. The butt bears a coat of arms, suggesting commission by a member of the nobility or gentry. The lock features a characteristic domed wheel cover, while the rifle is equipped with double-set triggers and a finger-groove trigger guard, refinements that enhanced precision shooting. Both blade front and two-leaf rear sights further attest to this weapon's sophisticated design for serious marksmanship.
This rifle was acquired from the renowned George F. Harding Jr. Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, one of America's most significant assemblages of arms and armor. George F. Harding Jr. (1868-1939) amassed one of the finest private collections of military artifacts in the United States, which was later bequeathed to the Art Institute. His discriminating eye and substantial resources allowed him to acquire masterworks that now reside in major museums worldwide. This rifle was purchased by Harding from dealer W.H. Fenton in 1925, during the golden age of American collecting when European aristocratic collections were dispersing to institutions and connoisseurs across the Atlantic.
31 1/2" barrel, 54 caliber
42 1/4" long x 2 3/4" wide x 5 3/4" deep
Provenance:
W.H. Fenton George F. Harding Jr. Collection (acquired 1925)
Art Institute of Chicago (reference number 1982.3313)
Private collection, United States
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Read Less
Specifications
| Period: | 17th Century |
| Type: | Arms and Armor |
| Depth: | 42.25 in. (107.32 cm) |
| Width: | 2.75 in. (6.99 cm) |
| Height: | 5.75 in. (14.61 cm) |
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Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn More
