3123 - An Italian silver-mounted deluxe miquelet rifle, circa 1710/20

An Italian silver-mounted deluxe miquelet rifle, circa 1710/20 Octagonal barrel tapering to a round shape, with a smooth bore in 15 mm caliber. A mounted silver front sight; the silver rear sight is shaped like a reclining figure. The octagonal section of the barrel is decorated at both ends with finely engraved figure cartouches set among acanthus leaves. Finely engraved Miquelet lock featuring hunting scenes set among vine motifs. Openwork silver lock plate with a finely engraved depiction of the transformation of Actaeon. Movable brass sling swivel. Half-stock made of walnut; the stock shows an old restoration on the right side. Richly openwork mount with finely engraved antique-style scenes set among foliage. On the silver trigger guard is a depiction of Actaeon’s death at the hands of hunters and dogs. Silver barrel band with openwork vine decoration. Original wooden ramrod with ball extractor and engraved iron ferrule. Length 151 cm Condition: II