The French wheellock preserved from the cabinet of King Louis XIII is a study in royal-era craftsmanship and proven provenance. For collectors and historians focused on 17th-century small arms, this piece combines documented inventory history with ornate decorative work that tells a precise story about elite European arms culture.

FRENCH MILITARY RARE DOCUMENTED FRENCH WHEELLOCK FROM THE CABINET OF KING LOUIS XIII

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Provenance and historical value

This firearm was manufactured in 1620 and is documented in the Cabinet D’Armes inventory as number 94. Accompanying documentation includes a Sotheby’s catalog reference from the 1991 Henk Visser sale and listings in period inventories reprinted in Master French Gun Designs of the XVII-XIX Centuries. That level of paper trail makes this wheellock unusually traceable for early 17th-century arms.

Construction details and notable features

The gun is chambered in a 46 caliber bore with a 42″ barrel. Its metalwork remains bright with modest light staining consistent with age; the barrel is a takedown-style assembly where the original forward half was lost and sympathetically restored by a previous owner, Henk Visser. The restoration is noted as nearly indistinguishable from the original, preserving both function and visual continuity.

Stock and ornamentation

The fruitwood stock displays scrimshawed stag horn inlays and mother-of-pearl medallions on either side of the butt, each containing a portrait believed to represent the owner. Ball flower tendrils, natural bone and green-stained inlays, and mother-of-pearl accents create a densely worked decorative program typical of royal cabinets. These elements are important for authentication and for assessing market value.

At a listed price of $125,000.99, this wheellock sits firmly in the rare-documented category—appealing to institutional collectors and advanced private collectors. For detailed purchasing steps and to confirm the latest stock status, View product details and pricing on our shop page; the link will take you to our product page where the retailer purchase flow is available.

Collector guidance

When evaluating this wheellock, prioritize the documentation: inventory number 94 references, Sotheby’s lot provenance, and published museum research (including Metropolitan Museum references) are critical. Professional conservation and secure display are recommended. Interested buyers can Check current availability and complete a purchase through the linked retailer page.

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