Mike Brooks Lion and Lamb rifle.

[lexington1]

A 12th century depiction of a Leopard. Almost as goofy as the stuffed one above, but it does sort of resemble the carving on the Lion and Lamb rifle.

[Mike Brooks]

Google up " 17th century wooden synagogues" I think these were in Poland.  The interior decoration is identical to these Moravian guns and American German folk art in general.

[Mike Brooks]

Here's a link. https://www.handshouse.org/wooden-synagogue-project-history

[Mike Brooks]

Looks alot like the "lamb's head" patchbox finial. I think it's a panther or dog, possibly a leopard or lion....


A couple renderings of the "Lion". Even the tails are the same as on the gun.

[lexington1]

That certainly does look like it. I'm generally not into reading religious symbolism in the embellishment of longrifles, but the Lion and Lamb gun does make you wonder.

[Mike Brooks]

That certainly does look like it. I'm generally not into reading religious symbolism in the embellishment of longrifles, but the Lion and Lamb gun does make you wonder.

That small early group supposedly by Albrecht all have these similar animal features. I think they are all by Oerter myself. I wouldn't be surprised if an early illustrated bible was open on the bench for inspiration on these guns.

[Mike Lyons]

Thanks for the info Mike.  I've been researching CS guns, Moravian and Puritans culture and this is some good information.  That Bird faced Lion animal is on a CS gun also. Check out this old painting of an "Moravian Girl."  It sure looks a whole lot like the disputed "Lehigh Face."  Many of the girls in the "Ride of the Kings Festival" look like the Lehigh Face.

[Daryl]

Looks alot like the "lamb's head" patchbox finial. I think it's a panther or dog, possibly a leopard or lion....

That one I suspect is a lion being speared in the mouth by a unicorn.
The lion's dark "mane" gives truth to the "lion" supposition, however the head does look rather dog-ish.

[ipman]

Very nice rifle, congrats. Hope it shoots as good as it looks.