Western Europe, Spain, used primarily in North America, ca. late 18th to early 19th century CE. A fabulous model 1803 Spanish infantry rifle with an integral forestock and backstock carved from caramel-hued hardwood. The forestock has a semicircular profile meant to hold the front of the steel barrel as well as a ram rod beneath, and the back half of the barrel is octagonal. A steel flintlock (or miquelet lock) mechanism rests to the side of the barrel and still retains a flint fragment inside the striker. Fine brass embellishments include a side plate, a trigger guard, and a backstock plate. A maker's mark reading "EX DVI" is visible atop the back of the barrel, and another reading "S . . . " above a crowned "R" is shown on one side of the back stock. Size: 46.75" L (118.7 cm).

For a stylistically similar example of a model 1803 rifle, please see: Chamberlain, Pierce A. "Spanish Military Weapons in Colonial America, 1700-1821." Stackpole Books, pp. 36-37, plates 33-35.

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection

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#149232

Loosening and minor nicks to rings around barrel and forestock, areas of backstock and wood above trigger, and forestock on either side of ram rod. Slight bending to overall forms of some brass elements, with inactive insect damage to scattered wooden areas, and light encrustations. Makers' marks are mostly faded but still visible. Nice patina throughout. Rifle has not been tested for firing capability.