A German wheel-lock sporting rifle (Mullerbuchsen) 1676

with swamped octagonal sighted barrel, flat lock struck with the maker’s mark and the date, fitted with engraved brass wheel, moulded dog and filed dog spring with brass fittings, double set trigger, full stock moulded over the fore-end, silver inlaid with tendrils opposite the lock and over the butt, the former inset with a plaque engraved with a coat of arms of Counts Hatzfeld of Prussia, and steel trigger-guard

Further to catalogue images and description, the bore remains clean, the outside of the barrel has patches of light surface rust which could be easily cleaned. The date, 1667 remains clear as does the brass lined makers mark, ‘HH’ divided by a sword clasped by an armoured arm. The back sight has some blued finish. The lock is dated 1676 and marked, without a brass lining, en suite with the barrel. The brass mounts have traces of early gilding; the interior mechanism is complete with delicate filed ornament. The stock has small areas of light bruising, scratches and dents. There is one crack extending inside the ramrod channel on either side of the forward ram rod pipe. The inlay remains in generally good condition. The ram rod is a little tight in the channel and is viewed separately to the gun. The mark (Neue Støckel 2899) is that of Hans Heller, active circa 1660-85. Other guns by this maker are preserved in the gewehrkammer at Schloss Ettersburg, Weimar.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The maker's mark appears to be Neue Støckel 2899, that of Hans Heller. Other guns by this maker are recorded in the gunroom at Schloss Ettersburg, Weimar.