Maucher Wheellock hunting rifle - economy version?

Pukka Bundook · 5th April 2017, 02:35 PM

Again,

Welcome to the forum Ken!

Very interesting rifle you have, and no, it is not an "economy" grade.
It was made in the Brandenburg area, sometimes called the Brandenburg school, or sometimes "Prussian" school of gunmaking.
It is beautifully made, and actually much more what we would expect from that area in decoration. Jasper's rifle is a Very uncommon piece for this area!
Frederick Wilhelm 1, and later his son, Frederick the great, were rather austere gentlemen, rather frowning on over elaborate decoration in or on anything. Very much plain and simple types.
This spilled over into guns made in that area, and this is why Jaspers is so unusual, and yours is not.
Certain features always ("Always" is a very dangerous word!!) show up in Brandenburg arms, are the bellied stock rounded on the underside, the type of guard as is on yours, 9 times out of ten, High quality craftsmanship but not elaborate, and simple understated stock carving.
Yours ticks all the boxes.
Do you have George Shumway's book on "Jaeger Rifles"?
You will see examples Very similar to this in that publication.
It is thanks to George & his book that I am able to tell you anything at all!

Very nice rifle!

Richard.

PS,

Can you show us the sideplate area, opposite the lock, and a view of the muzzle?
Also, what calibre and barrel length?

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5th April 2017, 02:35 PM	#4
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Again, Welcome to the forum Ken! Very interesting rifle you have, and no, it is not an "economy" grade. It was made in the Brandenburg area, sometimes called the Brandenburg school, or sometimes "Prussian" school of gunmaking. It is beautifully made, and actually much more what we would expect from that area in decoration. Jasper's rifle is a Very uncommon piece for this area! Frederick Wilhelm 1, and later his son, Frederick the great, were rather austere gentlemen, rather frowning on over elaborate decoration in or on anything. Very much plain and simple types. This spilled over into guns made in that area, and this is why Jaspers is so unusual, and yours is not. Certain features always ("Always" is a very dangerous word!!) show up in Brandenburg arms, are the bellied stock rounded on the underside, the type of guard as is on yours, 9 times out of ten, High quality craftsmanship but not elaborate, and simple understated stock carving. Yours ticks all the boxes. Do you have George Shumway's book on "Jaeger Rifles"? You will see examples Very similar to this in that publication. It is thanks to George & his book that I am able to tell you anything at all! Very nice rifle! Richard. PS, Can you show us the sideplate area, opposite the lock, and a view of the muzzle? Also, what calibre and barrel length?