INTERESTING FLINT AND HOOK "MORTAR", GRENADIER... Lot 15

INTERESTING FLINT AND HOOK "MORTAR", GRENADIER A CHEVAL. Strong, thick, round bronze barrel, thickening halfway and tapering to thunder, with four reinforcing beads, breech tail en suite, decorated at the muzzle with a coat of arms surrounded by palms, with a hook underneath. Gooseneck lock and hammers with round bodies. Round iron basin with sparkle. Brass fittings. Cut-out brass trigger guard. Day-marked counter lock depicting a fantastic animal with a long, curled tail and foliage. Waxed walnut stock, with busk trimmed with a large square butt plate on the top and extending to a cut-out reinforcement on the back, engraved with foliage. B.E. Switzerland. Circa 1720-1730. (Small dent in the butt). Length: 65 cm. Barrel length: 20.5 cm. Muzzle diameter: 9.38 cm. Inside diameter at muzzle: 7.57 cm. Provenance : -Former Alain Serpette collection. History: Flintlock grenadier rifles were manufactured in the first half of the 18th century in France, Switzerland, the Netherlands and England. They were used in the navy and artillery. The three-beehive coat of arms is used by several families, including the Le Bouq de Castro family (thanks to Mr. Alban Pérès for his help). Bibliography : Jurg MEIER "Les mortiers à main pour les grenadiers à cheval de l'état extérieur de Berne" in Revue de l'association suisse pour l'étude des armes et armures, n°1, November 2023.