" Miquelet" Rifle, Spain, 18th Century

This is a rifle called "in the miquelet fahion" manufactured in Spain in the 18th century, and later transformed into a piston. It is a typical example of the Basque Country's gunmaking industry in the 18th century, since we can clearly read the bom of the city of Eibar, famous for its firearms manufacturers. This term "à la miquelet" comes from the use of these weapons by armed bands, later reorganized militarily, called in Spain "Miqueletes"
BARREL : It is faceted at the beginning, then quickly takes on a cylindrical shape up to its end. Steel rear sight  and brass front sight at the end of the barrel. We can read with reservations, with remains of silver inlays: DE LUIS GUROCENEGUI EIBAR: If DE LUIS and EIBAR are clear, GUROCE.. or CUROCE.. is more uncertain. In any case, this is one of the many gunsmiths of Eibar, named Luis, who worked around the 2nd half of the 18th century.
Internal diameter of the barrel = 16.6 mm, which corresponds approximately in measurements of the Ancien Régime to 18 Balls per pound (with a pound of lead 456 g, one could make 18 balls) Length of the barrel = 69 cm.
the location which corresponded to the basin of the flintlock was professionally modified in the 19th century to transform it into a percussion system. PLATE AND MECHANISM: This is the mechanism called "à la miquelet", the notch of the hammer which allows the percussion holds the hammer very well in the "cocked" position. Small chiseled decoration on the body of the hammer.
The counter-plate is made of steel The trigger guard is made of steel. Small chiseled decoration. It has the characteristic rear part of Spanish rifles, which allowed the sling to be attached.
STOCK: It has the typical shape of Spanish rifles. There are holes from wood-eating insects, which have been treated and stabilized. A small crack repaired in the past at the counter-plate and another on the same side, at the end near the barrel, well repaired and discreet. Iron rod present
This rifle with its imperfections remains an example of the Basque gunmaking industry in the 18th and during the first half of the 19th century. It is very decorative, at a moderate price.
Shipping costs France and Europe 30€ No shipping outside Europe.
Ref X3Y-44