I have always admired the artistry, fine detail, and functionality of early flintlocks. Traveling and working around the world has allowed me to see firsthand many excellent examples of this “explosive” art form.
I have always desired to build a flintlock. The ones that I wish to build are in the style of the old masters, from the Baroque and Rococo periods. Highly decorated pieces just appeal to me. It is a combination of fine woodworking, exceptional metalworking, and creative engineering to make an artistic piece such as these that function.
They excite me thinking about the artistry skill and the many hours of work that went into producing them. I admire the handy-work, the skill and creativity. Something that is as much an artistic piece as a fully functioning engineered piece.
Here are some examples of fine German Jaegers I found in my research. I am going to create one of these masterpieces.
Ca .82 caliber. 34″ flared octagonal barrel, with two-leaf folding rear notched sight, front brass blade. Early flat style lockplate engraved with vines and leaves. Double-set triggers, brass furniture. Nice carved wood stock with sliding wood patch box. Molding around the check piece and bottom of stock from toe to triggerguard. Rear tang sight.
French Flintlock Gun, dated 1735 – Met Museum
Known primarily as a producer of military weapons, the Royal Arms Manufactory at Saint-Etienne occasionally made luxury weapons, of which this is perhaps the finest example. Depictions of classical gods and goddesses are chiseled into the steel parts; and the left side of the butt is inlaid in silver with a scene of dogs attacking an imperial double-headed eagle, a reference to France’s continual political and military struggle against the Holy Roman Empire.
Met Museum –
Title: Flintlock Gun
Steel-chiseler: Louis Jaley (French, Saint-Etienne 1696–1773)
Barrelsmith: Nicolas Carteron (French, Saint-Etienne, recorded ca. 1733–63)
Stock maker: Joseph Blachon (French, Saint-Etienne, recorded ca. 1725–35)
- Date: dated 1735
Geography: Saint-Etienne
Culture: French, Saint-Etienne
Medium: Steel, gold, wood, silver
Dimensions: L. 57 1/2 in. (146.1 cm); L. of barrel 41 7/8 in. (106.5 cm); caliber .62 in. (15.5 cm)
Classification: Firearms
Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick and Rogers Funds, 1987
Accession Number: 1987.274
ELABORATELY DECORATED NORTH CENTRAL GERMAN FLINTLOCK JAEGER RIFLE CIRCA 1750.
Elegant German Fullstock Flintlock Jaeger Rifle by Breidenfelter
Elegant German Fullstock Flintlock Jaeger Rifle by Breidenfelter
Lot closed – Sold Price (Including Buyer`s Premium):$5,750
