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Very Fine French Flintlock Double Fowler by Prelat

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Very Fine French Flintlock Double Fowler by Prelat
20 bore, 33'' damascus barrels with mostly bright very good bores showing a bit of scattered light pitting and old oxidation. This is a lovely Parisian flintlock double, the barrels toning to a mix of deep gunmetal gray and medium plum-brown patina mixing with areas of old oxidation and subtle damascus patterns. The barrels are of Belgian make showing a Liege proof mark on the left and they are boldly engraved in script with maker's information ''Prelat / a Paris'', also showing some remnants of light gold-washed etched motifs at the breeches. There are platinum blowout plugs and the locks are of the finest quality ornate construction. The lockplates themselves are flat, with high beveled edges and pronounced teats at the rears which curve slightly inward. The remaining hardware is lovely featuring graceful cocks, silver-lined waterproof pans, and bridled roller frizzens all of which feature nice little details, the frizzen springs of particularly fine construction. The right cock shows an old repair with its top half gunsmith-made long ago to mirror the left which remains intact, the detailing of this replaced portion not as ornate but more than serviceable. The lockplates are both neatly maker marked and show nice foliate detailing and borders, the rear of the right plate with a small swan scene and the left with a swan on land reacting to a game dog in the water. The triggerguard is similarly ornate with extensive embellishments, small game scenes and wonderful Green Man-like gargoyle extension and motif along the bow of the guard. The hardware has mostly toned to gray showing some old oxidation staining and remnants of silvery case-hardened patina. The tailpipe at the nose of the stock appears to be a later replacement as it is completely un-embellished but nicely made. The checkered walnut stock is of similarly ornate construction and in very fine condition showing a small repair along the right edge of forend, a few small chips around the barrel wedge and some lighter scattered dings. Stock fit remains quite nice and the checkering remains strong, the stock featuring a graceful semi-pistolgrip with additional lip at the rear, accenting shadowline along the right side of the buttstock and rounded edge cheekpiece with carved curlicue flourish on the left. The arm is equipped with sling swivels and includes a likely later-made brass-tipped hickory ramrod. The locks are crisp and seem to function well mechanically. Francois Prelat was a royal gunmaker in the early to mid-19th century and maker of some very ornate and flamboyant guns, as well as an early patent holder for self-contained cartridges and percussion caps in mainland Europe. This fowler is a fine example of his work. (13C11579-45) {ANTIQUE} (2500/3500)