Original Bohemian Revolving Flintlock Shotgun | 3 Shots
Talk about a neat piece here folks, this is an original Bohemian revolving Flintlock muzzleloading shotgun. It measures about 20 gauge at the muzzle and features a 38 3/4 inch octagon to round barrel with a bead front sight. Take a gander at this neat piece of art and armsmaking history and let me know what you think.
I personally find pieces like this fascinating because it pokes some holes in the talking points about “muskets being single shot” when the American Constitution was written.
Multi-shot flintlock pistols and long guns were the forerunners of the true revolvers of the 19th century and are very rare and highly desirable antique arms. A small number of firearms built using the system on this long gun in three and four-shot variations were manufactured by a group of gunmakers operating in the spa town of Carlsbad in Bohemia in the first half of the 18th century.
"JOHANN HADISCH WEILER IN CARLSBAD" is signed on top, and floral and border engraving at the breech. The chambers are engraved with different classical figures and scroll patterns. One figure is likely Athena/Minerva, another Selene/Luna, and the last appears to be a contemporary figure as she wears a broad hat with a feather. The upper tang has scroll engraving and a small female bust.
The back action lock has a scene of a horsemen shooting a stag with a pistol as it is attacked by a pair of dogs and another man is in the background. It also has fine scroll patterns. The furniture is gilt brass. The trigger guard has a female bust on the bow.
