A Fine 15-Bore Dutch Flintlock Sporting Gun
By J. Wilkin, Maastricht, Circa 1690
With tapering sighted barrel in three stages divided by mouldings, one of them grooved for sighting, the breech section finely engraved with symmetrical designs of foliated scrollwork, a stylised grotesque mask, and a vacant armorial shield between palm branches surmounted by a coronet and signed 'I. Wilkin', rectangular tang engraved with foliage and a tulip and set within a stepped iron panel engraved at the rear with a male profile bust, rounded lock with waved border, inscribed 'Mastreck' (sic) and engraved with flowers, foliage, a monster-head, and a female portrait bust between palm branches, moulded walnut full stock (minor bruises) carved in relief with scrollwork at the rear ramrod-pipe, shaped iron mounts including pierced and chiselled side-plate of Simonin pattern book inspiration terminating in a monster-head, butt-plate with long tang engraved with monsters and scrolling foliage, pierced and chiselled escutcheon, four baluster ramrod-pipes, and original iron-capped ramrod, in fine condition throughout
118.7 cm. barrel
