RARE AND SUPERB GERMAN WHEEL LOCK RIFLE BY THE MASTER, PETER OPEL, CIRCA 1597.

Revised: 10/13/2013

Please Note: At one time this gun was owned by Mr. Ray Petry who was kind enough to call us and share some information to be added to the descriptions.

a) Mr. Petry stated that a piece of the engraved stag horn band by the butt plate had been replaced at one time and we reviewed a 1917 photograph in the files for this gun and we see a piece above the stag horn plate has been replaced since sometime in 1917.

b) Mr. Petry also pointed out that there was a small stag horn plaque on one side of the barrel tang that had been masterfully recreated by Dan Cullity. In viewing this same 1917 photographed referred above, the plaque on the right side of the top is apparent and there so this had to be the plaque on the left side.

c) Mr. Petry also mentioned a small inlay at the base of the tang was replaced and after carefully examining the gun we cannot discern where that is. From examining the 1917 period photograph (which illustrates only one side of the gun) there is no small place that needs to be replaced so we unfortunately cannot tell you where that small piece specifically was.

The gun is an extraordinary arm and an outstanding piece.

RARE AND SUPERB GERMAN WHEEL LOCK RIFLE BY THE MASTER, PETER OPEL, CIRCA 1597. SN NSN. This wonderful gun carries with it some of the most extensive provenance we have ever seen. It first appears in the catalog of Armor and Arms of Richard Zschille, which was sold by Christie, Manson & Woods in 1897. Acquired by William Randolph Hearst from the Sam Austen sale by the American Art Association in 1917. Later acquired by Joseph Kindig, Jr. at the sale of the William Randolph Hearst collection by Gimbel Brothers and the Hammer Galleries in 1941. Gun comes with complete history, copies of sale catalogs and original documents from Kindig and Hammer Galleries. File is extensive. Stock on rifle is deep relief carved throughout with leafy meander, scales, and hunting dogs chasing a rabbit. Underside carved with a 16th century figure in armor and hunting garb. Cheek piece and side panel superbly carved with hunter on horseback holding drawn sword and stag being pulled down by dogs, as well as hunting party on horseback. Style and execution of all carving is in the best possible 16th century German tradition. White stag horn inlays are beautifully scrimshawed and inlay by rear ramrod is scrimshawed identifiable coat of arms, “1597” and the letters “SWVP”. Lock features deeply sunken maker’s mark of Peter Opel. Etched borders and etched domed wheel cover. Hammer is plain but original and very well formed. Dog spring is cut with scrolls. Heavily rifled oct bbl of 50 cal decorated at breech with chiseled beadwork. Trigger guard is plain as is usually the case with these elaborately carved rifles. Set trigger intact. NOTE: Given the number of wheel lock arms created and altered during the 18th and 19th century, the opportunity to purchase a wheel lock with such superb provenance rarely presents itself. This piece by Peter Opel is suitable for the most advanced collection as well as for inclusion in any museum in America or Europe. PROVENANCE: World’s Colombian Exposition 1893, Chicago. Collection of Richard Zschille 1897. Sam Austen, 1917. William Randolph Hearst 1941. Joseph Kindig, Jr. Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: All inlays appear to be entirely original. Scrimshaw is slightly worn but all details still visible. Carving exhibits a beautiful mellow patina from more than 400 years of careful handling. No chips, only very minor honest wear throughout. 4-50091 MZ5 (25,000-50,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2013

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2465	$33,350.00	Revised: 10/13/2013 Please Note: At one time this gun was owned by Mr. Ray Petry who was kind enough to call us and share some information to be added to the descriptions. a) Mr. Petry stated that a piece of the engraved stag horn band by the butt plate had been replaced at one time and we reviewed a 1917 photograph in the files for this gun and we see a piece above the stag horn plate has been replaced since sometime in 1917. b) Mr. Petry also pointed out that there was a small stag horn plaque on one side of the barrel tang that had been masterfully recreated by Dan Cullity. In viewing this same 1917 photographed referred above, the plaque on the right side of the top is apparent and there so this had to be the plaque on the left side. c) Mr. Petry also mentioned a small inlay at the base of the tang was replaced and after carefully examining the gun we cannot discern where that is. From examining the 1917 period photograph (which illustrates only one side of the gun) there is no small place that needs to be replaced so we unfortunately cannot tell you where that small piece specifically was. The gun is an extraordinary arm and an outstanding piece. RARE AND SUPERB GERMAN WHEEL LOCK RIFLE BY THE MASTER, PETER OPEL, CIRCA 1597. SN NSN. This wonderful gun carries with it some of the most extensive provenance we have ever seen. It first appears in the catalog of Armor and Arms of Richard Zschille, which was sold by Christie, Manson & Woods in 1897. Acquired by William Randolph Hearst from the Sam Austen sale by the American Art Association in 1917. Later acquired by Joseph Kindig, Jr. at the sale of the William Randolph Hearst collection by Gimbel Brothers and the Hammer Galleries in 1941. Gun comes with complete history, copies of sale catalogs and original documents from Kindig and Hammer Galleries. File is extensive. Stock on rifle is deep relief carved throughout with leafy meander, scales, and hunting dogs chasing a rabbit. Underside carved with a 16th century figure in armor and hunting garb. Cheek piece and side panel superbly carved with hunter on horseback holding drawn sword and stag being pulled down by dogs, as well as hunting party on horseback. Style and execution of all carving is in the best possible 16th century German tradition. White stag horn inlays are beautifully scrimshawed and inlay by rear ramrod is scrimshawed identifiable coat of arms, “1597” and the letters “SWVP”. Lock features deeply sunken maker’s mark of Peter Opel. Etched borders and etched domed wheel cover. Hammer is plain but original and very well formed. Dog spring is cut with scrolls. Heavily rifled oct bbl of 50 cal decorated at breech with chiseled beadwork. Trigger guard is plain as is usually the case with these elaborately carved rifles. Set trigger intact. NOTE: Given the number of wheel lock arms created and altered during the 18th and 19th century, the opportunity to purchase a wheel lock with such superb provenance rarely presents itself. This piece by Peter Opel is suitable for the most advanced collection as well as for inclusion in any museum in America or Europe. PROVENANCE: World’s Colombian Exposition 1893, Chicago. Collection of Richard Zschille 1897. Sam Austen, 1917. William Randolph Hearst 1941. Joseph Kindig, Jr. Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: All inlays appear to be entirely original. Scrimshaw is slightly worn but all details still visible. Carving exhibits a beautiful mellow patina from more than 400 years of careful handling. No chips, only very minor honest wear throughout. 4-50091 MZ5 (25,000-50,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2013 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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