Product Details
PHILIPPE DE SELIER
A FRENCH 18-BORE SINGLE-BARRELLED FLINTLOCK SPORTING RIFLE,
second quarter of the 18th century, with 31 1/2in. swamped octagonal sighted barrel rifled with seven grooves and with gold-lined maker's mark towards the breech, border and scroll engraved flat bevelled lock signed 'PHILIPPE DE SELIER' (cock and steel replaced), moulded figured walnut full stock carved with scrollwork in relief behind the barrel-tang and rear ramrod-pipe, cast and chased brass mounts including trigger-guard decorated with foliage, pierced side-plate, and butt-plate decorated on the tang with a portrait bust supported by two griffins surmounted by a crowned double-headed eagle, pierced crowned escutcheon bearing a second portrait bust, sliding fluted wooden patchbox-cover, brass baluster ramrod-pipes, iron sling mounts, and later wooden ramrod (trigger-plate probably replaced during its working life).
Other Notes: Philippe de Selier is recorded in Paris between circa 1690 and 1740. The maker's mark on the barrel appears to be that of his son Gilles.
Estimate £1,500-2,000
THE ABOVE LOT IS PURCHASED AS AN EXEMPT ITEM UNDER SECTION 58 (2) OF THE 1968 FIREARMS ACT. TO BE HELD AS A CURIOSITY OR ORNAMENT.