A French 20-Bore Flintlock Fowling-Piece

A French 20-Bore Flintlock Fowling-Piece By Martins, Angers, Circa 1700 With tapering barrel with sighting flat extending to the silver fore-sight, faceted breech section signed 'MARTIN' within a scroll on the border engraved top flat, and with a line of beadwork at the rear, border engraved tang, rounded lock signed in capitals and with moulded border, moulded figured full stock (some old cracks and repairs) with swelling behind the rear ramrod-pipe and apron around the barrel tang, steel mounts comprising side-plate of Simonin pattern book inspiration pierced and chiselled with monster-heads and scrolling foliage, butt-plate engraved 'No. 19', and with moulded borders on the long tapering heel tang, trigger-guard with chiselled foliate finials, three baluster ramrod-pipes (one holed), and later horn-tipped ramrod (some old wear and rust patination) 118.7 cm. barrel Footnotes: Provenance W. Keith Neal Collection Christie's London, Fine Antique Firearms from the W. Keith Neal Collection, 25 October 2001, lot 136 The Penrose Collection Martin is recorded in Angers between 1680 and 1710, but his Christian name is not known. Angers was one of the principal provincial gunmaking centres - other significant Angers gunmakers were Boular, Bleiberg, and Pierre Monlong For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing