A VERY RARE DUTCH SNAP MATCHLOCK TARGET GUN, SECOND HALF OF THE 17TH CENTURY of target-shooting weight, with two-stage fluted barrel formed in two stages with moulded girdle struck twice with a bell mark (Neue Støckel 4863), and with long rectangular breech fitted with shaped standing back-sight (muzzle shortened), plain rounded lock, the pan with fence and pivot cover, slender walnut stock with faceted three-quarter length fore-end terminating in an iron band, the butt recessed for the cheek on both sides and weighted with lead at the rear, fitted with a rectangular rest finely carved in relief with the figures of saints within vine bordered niches on both sides, plain iron side-plate of rudimentary quality, iron trigger-guard with pierced finials, and no provision for a ramrod (early working repairs) 113.8cm; 44 ¾ in barrel For an account of this distinctive type see A. Hoff 1978, pp. 24-30. Hoff states that only about thirty examples have survived. For further examples see J. P. Puype 1996, cat. nos. 21 - 32.