Auctions Imperial 2017 May Arms & Armor

A RARE RUSSIAN SNAPLOCK RIFLE

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Start price: $450

Estimated price: $900 - $1,200

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Description

An extremely scarce example, the form preserved for centuries in the Imperial Russian hinterlands, the archaic wooden stock with faceted butt, the characteristic lock, showing a variety of influences, and all other stock furniture handwrought. The thick-walled, small caliber, octagonal barrel well-rifled. Retains its original ramrod with worm finial. 19th century or earlier. The first recorded examples of this type of weapon in Russia occurred during the late 16th century. They were rugged, reliable weapons popular amongst Cossacks and other march forces, remaining in use, formally unchanged, until the late 19th century. Overall length 125 cm. Condition III