Lot Essay
J.L. Cazes is recorded circa 1740-1798
Nicholas LeClerc was the nephew of Jean LeClerc
Nicholas LeClerc was the nephew of Jean LeClerc
Details
A 16-BORE FRENCH SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN
BY CAZES A PARIS, CIRCA 1777
With three-stage barrel octagonal then polygonal at the breech retaining faint traces of punched and gilt decoration and stamped three times with the mark of Nicholas Leclerc of Paris, silver fore-sight within a gilt sunburst, and gold-lined touch-hole, engraved tang decorated with a thundercloud, bevelled lock engraved with a martial trophy on the shaped stepped tail and signed 'Cazes Arquebusier Du Roy Successeur Du Sr. Puiforcat A Paris', engraved shaped cock, ramp on the steel-spring, moulded figured walnut half-stock (reduced from full) carved in relief behind the barrel tang and on the underside of the fore-end, full silver mounts cast and chased in relief with hanging game, foliage and rococo scrollwork, trigger-guard with urn finial, spirally fluted silver rear ramrod-pipe, silver fore-end cap, and silver-tipped wooden ramrod with worm (in worn condition), silver charge and déscharge mark of the fermier Jean Baptiste Fouache with the warden's mark for 1777
36 1/8in. (92.1cm.) barrel
BY CAZES A PARIS, CIRCA 1777
With three-stage barrel octagonal then polygonal at the breech retaining faint traces of punched and gilt decoration and stamped three times with the mark of Nicholas Leclerc of Paris, silver fore-sight within a gilt sunburst, and gold-lined touch-hole, engraved tang decorated with a thundercloud, bevelled lock engraved with a martial trophy on the shaped stepped tail and signed 'Cazes Arquebusier Du Roy Successeur Du Sr. Puiforcat A Paris', engraved shaped cock, ramp on the steel-spring, moulded figured walnut half-stock (reduced from full) carved in relief behind the barrel tang and on the underside of the fore-end, full silver mounts cast and chased in relief with hanging game, foliage and rococo scrollwork, trigger-guard with urn finial, spirally fluted silver rear ramrod-pipe, silver fore-end cap, and silver-tipped wooden ramrod with worm (in worn condition), silver charge and déscharge mark of the fermier Jean Baptiste Fouache with the warden's mark for 1777
36 1/8in. (92.1cm.) barrel