~ An original of a so called “Tshincke” the first hunting dedicated type of firearm in the world. It was made in the German speaking countries since the 15th century, this particular one from the collections of the Higgins Museum dates from the 1650-1675. This type of rifle was usually a matchlock or like in this case a wheelock type action. They were heavy and richly engraved usually with mother of pearl and ivory. True pieces of art, history and hunting culture. ~