Eastern-European tschinke rifle sells for $35,000

A 60-bore eastern European wheel-lock tschinke rifle was the headline lot of a Bonhams sale of arms and armour.

It made £22,500 ($34,843) on July 23 in London.

Tschinke Bonhams
The tschinke was a variety of rifle popular in Germany and eastern Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries

The wheel lock first appears in drawings by Leonardo Da Vinci in the 15th century.

It began to be produced regularly in central and Eastern Europe during the 16th century.

The present lot dates to the mid-1600s and displays elaborate engravings and inlays. It was formerly part of the collection of the Princes zu Salm-Reifferschiedt-Dyck, a German noble family.

A pair of 20-bore Mexican "miquelet"-lock pistols sold for £15,000 ($23,229).

The guns date to the late 18th century and were produced by Spanish colonists in Mexico.

The miquelet-lock was a distinctive Spanish snap lock (used to ignite the gunpowder) that was spread throughout its colonies.

David Williams, Bonhams' head of antique arms and armour, commented in the run-up to the auction: "The sale provides a snapshot of the gun-makers art. Gentlemen would give a great deal of thought to the decoration of their guns.

"I suppose you could compare it to someone today buying an Aston Martin and the thought and cost that goes into customizing the interior with fine wood and leather and discreet decor."

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