Beautiful Matched Pair of Flintlock Sporting Rifles by Caspar Zelner of Vienna

Numbers 1 and 2, approximately .61 Caliber, 28 3/4" swamped, octagonal barrels with fine, deeply rifled bores. These are a handsome pair of rifles that are finished in-the-white, with crisp edges and markings. Both rifles are marked with the maker’s name on the barrel: "CASPAR ZELNER"; as well as on the lockplates: "CASPAR ZELNER / IN WIEN." Each lock is fitted with double-set triggers, has ornately engraved, foliate borders, and matching swan-necked cocks. Stylized numerals are present on top of the breeches of the The pin-fastened walnut stocks are in fine shape with some scattered minor handling marks and small blemishes in the otherwise lustrous oil finish. Both rifles have expertly repaired breaks (or possibly WW2 duffel cuts) near the middle of the forends that are not obviously visible when held in hand, and a small, with-the-grain crack at the nosecap of one of the rifles. Additionally, the rifles are equipped with brass front sights, two-leaf rear notch sights, brass embellishments throughout, and sliding patchbox covers on the right side of their buttstocks. The locks are fully functional, as are the double-set triggers, and the original horn-tipped ramrods are still present. Caspar Zelner, or Zellner (1661 – 1745), was born in Salzburg, and was part of a large and well-known Austrian gunmaking family. He was the son of Johann Zelner (1610 – 1680), and brother of Johann Balthasar Zelner (1659 – 1730). He began his apprenticeship with his uncle, Kilian Zelner, from 1677 – 1680, becoming a master gunmaker in 1695 at Vienna. This is an exquisite, matched pair of rifles, by a master maker whose career began in the 17th century, and would make a splendid addition to any collection. Antique