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  • Auction Catalog #4090
  • Lot #1356
Lot #1355
Lot #1357

Lot 1356: Scrimshaw Inlaid Wheellock Hand Mortar/Grenade Launcher

Scarce Scrimshaw Inlaid Wheellock Hand Mortar/Grenade Launcher

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 9, 2023

Lot 1356: Scrimshaw Inlaid Wheellock Hand Mortar/Grenade Launcher

Scarce Scrimshaw Inlaid Wheellock Hand Mortar/Grenade Launcher

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 9, 2023

Estimated Price: $8,500 - $13,000
Price Realized:
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Scarce Scrimshaw Inlaid Wheellock Hand Mortar/Grenade Launcher

Manufacturer: European
Model: Wheel Lock
Type: Shotgun
Gauge: 1 3/4 Inch
Barrel: 12 1/4 inch round
Finish: bright
Grip:
Stock: hardwood
Item Views: 2243
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 259
Class: Antique
Description:

Firearms like this are most commonly found in European museum collections and are rare on the public market. They were mainly manufactured in the 17th century and are often identified as hand mortars or grenade launchers, but it is believed many, especially the ornamented examples, were actually used for launching fireworks. The brass multi-stage barrel is decorated with rings and a band of floral scrollwork. The antechamber for holding the powder charge on this example is around .72 caliber while the main bore for the projectile is around 1 3/4 inches. The lock has no visible markings and has light engraving. The fruitwood stock is inlaid with staghorn and engraved with fruit, scrolls, bestial motifs, and figures on the roundels on either side of the butt probably representing a German furst and his wife.

Rating Definition:

Very good overall with aged patina on the brass, mottled gray patina and some mild pitting on the iron, some cracks and repairs in the stock, a few replaced inlays, some chips, and general mild overall wear. The lock has not been mechanically tested.



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