This fascinating piece is potentially a one of a kind, it is a 17th centiry rifled wheellock gun in spectacular condition. This piece is likely German or Bohemian.
A wheellock, wheel-lock or wheel lock, is a friction-wheel mechanism to cause a spark for firing a firearm. It was the next major development in firearms technology after the matchlock and the first self igniting firearm. Its name is from its rotating steel wheel to provide ignition. Developed around 1500, it was used alongside the matchlock and was later superseded by the snaplock (1540s), the snaphance (1560s) and the flintlock (c. 1600). The piece has gold inlay with the date 1629 (most likely talismanic) and the initials "AM" on the top of the blued barrel.
The blue and gilt barrel is hexagonal with deep rifling. The stock is worked with floral motifs and brass inlay.
This gun can be yours for £4500 or best offer.