Miquelet Rifle By Valentin Lopez, Late 18th Century

This beautiful hunting rifle dates from the end of the 18th century. It was made by Valentin LOPEZ, in Madrid (active 1785-1828) student of the prestigious Diego ALVAREZ (active 1751-1802) who was arquebusier of King Carlos III from 1775. It would seem that at the beginning of his career Valentin Lopez participated in collaboration with his master in the manufacture of rifles intended for the King, then he would have made rifles himself for King Carlos IV, between 1788 and 1808.
We find on the trigger guard the mark of Valentin Lopez "BA LENT LO PEZ" (the B and the V are pronounced the same way in Spanish) It is the mark n° 7812 of the catalog "der neue Stockel"
At that time the gunmakers were divided into corporations, including the barrel manufacturers who exclusively could have the title of "master gunmaker" and the manufacturers of locks and it is therefore not surprising to find on this rifle a lock bearing the mark of the famous Domingo GABIOLA from Eibar (active 1700-1750) which during its long period of activity was renowned for the quality of manufacture of its mechanisms. This is the mark no. 413 of the Stockel catalog
The rifle itself is in good condition.
BARREL: it is cylindrical without any particular decoration very similar to the barrels of the officers' rifles of the cavalry regiments. 20 cm from the breech tail, we find the trace of the presence of an old rear sight, now disappeared. Internal diameter of the barrel = approximately 15.5 mm Length = 89.2 cm
The barrel is fixed to the wood of the stock by two iron bracelets, held in place by springs identical to those of military rifles. A screw fixes the breech tail. This one is soberly engraved with slightly faded floral motifs
We can find in the book of Isidro Soler about gunmakers in Madrid from the origin to 1793 the verified information that Valentin Lopez made his barrels himself.
. LOCK: this is the original flintlock, of the so-called "à la Miquelet" type. it is in perfect condition, elegantly chiseled and its operation is impeccable, the 2 notches catch with precision. We find the GA BI OLA hallmark of Domingo GABIOLA
STOCK : it is the original stock, and in very good condition, without any cracks or repairs. Its shape is typically Spanish. It is made with good taste in a discreet and elegant way. Small floral decoration sculpted at the level of the breech tail. The wooden ramrod with horn tip is the original one.
The trigger guard is in the shape of a scroll, it is richly chiseled and bears the gold mark of Valentin LOPEZ. Small polished iron butt plate.
To summarize this weapon is a rifle of beautiful quality, in very good condition, made by a renowned gunsmith, who worked  for the Royal Court of Spain. Total length 128 cm
Shipping to France only, 40€ (other countries, contact me).
Ref AMAX-2570