18th-19th century Spanish escopeta

[Pelcat]

Here's an interesting musket. This one jumped out at me over the latest Switzer auction, as I don't see Spanish firearms of that era very often in Canada.

This is a .56 caliber Catalonian made "escopeta" or hunting shotgun. This one is done up in a distinctly French style. I believe the lock to be inspired from a French model 1728 musket. I haven't been able to find the maker yet but it was proofed in Barcelona. Not too sure on age but it's very likely mid to later 18th century, possibly early 19th century at the latest.

It's missing the frizzen spring, the ramrod and the middle sling hanger. Nothing major, it'll present well on a wall once I get that ugly varnish off the stock and the silver paint off the lock.

Here's a bunch of pictures, let me know what you think.

View attachment 1002872

 

[Pelcat]

Forgot to attach this one, proof marks and engravings on the breech.

The maker mark looks like the letters SAD ORNI topped with the all seeing eye.

 

[tiriaq]

An interesting gun. Quite unusual.

 

[DanRR]

Both "poinçons" are from Barcelona, Catalunya. mid XVIII century.
The top one, armorers used to punch their names under a crown.

 

[scotteboy]

Very cool

 

[tiriaq]

Spanish barrels had quite the reputation. There are high grade British guns that used Spanish barrels. I like the ringed top jaw screw on Spanish locks - strikes me that would be more convenient than a slotted screw.
The other unusual flint gun in the sale - described as an early flintlock... Don't know why but I wondered if it might not be a Sardinian miquelet lock.

 

[Pelcat]

Spanish barrels had quite the reputation. There are high grade British guns that used Spanish barrels. I like the ringed top jaw screw on Spanish locks - strikes me that would be more convenient than a slotted screw.
The other unusual flint gun in the sale - described as an early flintlock... Don't know why but I wondered if it might not be a Sardinian miquelet lock

I agree completely, when I first examined it, I immediately thought on how convenient that ringed top jaw screw would have been. The gun is really light and handy, despite the 39 3/4 inch barrel. Those Spanish proof marks really struck me, almost reached max bid on it...

I also noticed that "early flintlock". It had a cast brass lockplate, maybe early 18th century? The bone stock ornements looked very north African to me so it would make sense for the lock to be from Sardiania... Interesting one as well but less my cup of tea.

 

[Johnyy]

Very nice! I briefly remember that one in the Auction. What was the final bid?

 

[Pelcat]

Very nice! I briefly remember that one in the Auction. What was the final bid?

Final bid was 475, a little bit more than I would've liked but not horrible considering my max was 500. I'm happy about it overall, the auction pictures and description didn't do it justice.