#34 • A Magnificent High Art Tschinke Wheellock Sporting (Birding) Rifle Ca. 1625

Part of The Ray Howser Firearms Collection, 1931-2026 (timed auction by Lewis & Grant Auctions)

Starting at $10,000.00

Status: Available

Live bidding starts Nov 20, 2026 10:00 AM EST

A Magnificent High Art Silesian Wheellock Sporting (Birding) Rifle Tschinke Circa 1625 In Pristine Original Condition Throughout.  Tschinke is a lightweight small caliber rifle designed in the early 17th century as a sporting or birding rifle.  These rifles were produced for nobles or princely collectors and are highly decorative in nature.  Other prominent examples are found in The Art Institute of Chicago, Saint Lois Art Museum and the Cleveland Museum of Art. The octagonal barrel retaining nearly all of its original high polish bluing. the engraved panels with most all of their original bright fire gilding. The lock of classic Silesian form with engraved steel panels with most original bright gilding. The lock with external mainspring and finely engraved hammer. The lock with original bluing. The fruit wood full stock profusely inlaid throughout its length with scrimshawed pearl and white staghorn of blossoms, tendrils, animals and strap work panels all of exemplary quality and in excellent condition.The patchbox decorated ensuite. Silesian Tschinke’s are invariably found with barrels devoid of finish retaining only traces of bluing. This is the finest condition wheellock Tschinke one could possibly hope to find. Even the staghorn ramrod is original. If you are looking for a pristine example of this most desirable Polish/Czechoslovakian wheellock look no further.