Contemporary Schwabian Wheellock Rifle in the Style of Johann Michael Maucher by John B. Derrick (American, b.1936)

.54 caliber. 31" octagonal barrel length. SN: NSN. Bright metal finish. Full length walnut stock has some rococo style carvings to straight grip, buttstock is carved with two owls, and forearm has carved rococo scroll with intertwined animal and grotesque motifs to entire length of both sides. Wheellock action rifle with neoclassical two leaf notch rear sight and fleur-de-lis brass blade front sight. Buttstock and forend are fitted with three carved synthetic ivory panels depicting hunting and allegorical scenes on left and right sides as well as Leda surrounded by cherubs on patchbox cover. Triggerguard is cast and chiseled sterling silver in the form of intertwined serpents and a devil grotesque figure. Buttplate and forend cap are made of heavy sterling silver cast with filigree and intertwined devil grotesques. Ramrod throat is cast sterling silver in the form of a boar, and stock thimbles are neoclassical style. Top of wrist has a banner shaped synthetic ivory fitting carved MM/JD/Fecit. Wheellock features an engraved hunting scene and is from the Rifle Shoppe, assembled by John Bosch. Included with item is a brass tip red wood ramrod.

Item was made in the style of Johann Michael Maucher, who is considered to be the most accomplished member of the Schwabian (Schwabisch Gmund) school of ivory, wood, and amber carvers. Maucher and members of his family were known to be renowned craftsmen of ivory inlaid gunstocks with intricately carved designs depicting hunting scenes and allegorical motifs.

Made in June 2001.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.