Fine Austrian Flintlock Fowler by C. Zelner (AL5605)

This fine flintlock fowler was manufactured by Caspar Zelner II of Vienna circa 1700 to 1740. He obviously learned the art of fine gun making from his father, Caspar Zelner I, who operated as a gunsmith in Salzburg circa 1680 to 1725. The overall length is approx. 59.5". The approx. 44.5" octagon to round 62 caliber barrel has a very fine smooth bore. The barrel has approx. 98% period blue. There is a gold sink which is probably the barrel maker's on top of the chamber. The barrel has a spider front sight and wedding band at the octagon to round transition. The finely engraved lock is bright. It is marked CASPAR ZELNER in and arc below the faceted iron pan and IN WIENN in an arc behind the cock. The lock engraving features a hunter on horseback followed by a dog in the center and a stag being chased by a dog on the tail. The cock has decorative scroll engraving. The brass trigger guard bow and front tang are have deep scroll carving. The brass buttplate tang is also nicely carved and engraved. The brass wrist escutcheon has a royal coat of arms in the center. The pierced scrollwork brass sideplate is very well executed. The carved half stock is fine. It has edge lines along the ramrod channel, carving and edge lines along the trigger guard, carving around the barrel tang, and decorative lines at the forward part of the comb. The action functions correctly. It's unusual to find an early fowler with its original full length barrel as most were shortened during their period of use. This could very well be a castle gun used for royal hunts. This fine piece is ready for your European flintlock hunting or castle gun collection.