Wheellock Rifle

Johann Michael Maucher

ca. 1680–90 · Steel, wood (cherry), ivory, mother-of-pearl · Arms and Armor

Johann Michael Maucher was the most famous member of a Schwabian family of ivory, wood, and amber carvers. He specialized in decorating gunstocks in intricately carved walnut inlaid with panels of ivory worked in relief depicting hunting subjects and allegorical figures. Firearms with such luxurious decoration presumably were valued more for their artistic virtuosity than for their practical use as sporting arms.

Artist

Johann Michael Maucher

Date

ca. 1680–90

Medium

Steel, wood (cherry), ivory, mother-of-pearl

Culture

German, Schwäbisch Gmünd

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942