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Flintlock Jäger musket by I.C. Stöhr, Hanau circa 1770 to 1790.

This is a very beautiful example of the work of the Hesse-Hanau gunsmith I.C. Stöhr. This type of lightweight gun was favoured by German hunters and gamekeepers who often joined the Hessian ranger units sent by the British to America during the Revolution (1765 to 1783). The guns were said to be easier to carry over long distances and through wild terrain than heavier military guns, and being experienced hunters the Hessian rangers were more resillient and able to acquire their own food, where other troops in the same situation would more likely starve.

The flat stepped lock is marked I. C. Stohr/ A. Hanau. The gun also has an attendant powder horn and leather shot bag that date around the same period as the gun and could be a long term partnering of these items.

All metal surfaces have the same nice dull patina as the barrel, showing only light oxidation. The musket features a bone or similar material nose-cap, iron ramrod thimbles and tailpipe. The Jäger-style trigger guard has a large rearward curving "grip".

There is a heavy faceted butt-plate and very well fitting and original iron backed sliding wooden patch-box cover with typical Stohr/Germanic design. The counter-lock or side-plate is in the style of the Jäger guns of this period.

The German walnut stock is truly magnificent, and appears to be literally on fire; it really must be seen to be fully appreciated. There are raised “islands” around the lock and counterlock, with a nice carved rosette close to the left-side cheek-piece.

There is slight evidence of a repair to the wrist, which has been solidly fixed and can hardly be seen.

As can be seen in the next picture, the gun works perfectly.