1135

European Matchlock Musket, Attributed to the Descendants of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,400.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 7,000.00 USD
European Matchlock Musket, Attributed to the Descendants of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand
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Most likely produced around the first half of the 17th Century. Fixed blade and notch sights, with no visible markings on the barrel. A raised "X" pattern is present within the rectangular flash pan, with a heavy swiveling cover and raised fence. The serpentine is actuated directly by the trigger, which has a curled finial. Full length stock, secured with wooden plugs, with two iron bands at the muzzle, a woooden ramrod, and a flat buttstock with high comb, right handed thumb cutout and an iron buttplate. Consignor notes attribute the arm to the line of the Baron von Gedenus, a line connected to the Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the Duchess Sophie by way of marriage to their granddaughter Sophie Graefin von Nostitz-Rieneck, and also states that the arm was found among the inventory of the Schloss Frondsberg, located in the Styria region of Austria, which has a documented history dating back to the 1300s, and remains standing to this day. In addition to serving as a bulwark against the Turks, Styria was part of Catholic-aligned Habsburg Austria during the Thirty Years War (1618-1648), which combined with the austere appearance of this arm suggests that it saw combat use during that conflict.
BBL: 37 1/4 inch part octagon
Stock: hardwood
Gauge: 70
Finish: brown
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Good, showing a mixed dark brown patina on the metal overall, with areas of pitting and rough texture. Stock is good, with spots of white residue on the butt, a few scattered chips, and minor handling marks. Mechanically fine.