Rating and value of 17th century hunting harquebuses

If you own a hunting harquebus, and would like to know its value, and if you don't know, the period and model of your weapon, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on today's market. Thereafter, if you wish to sell your work, we will guide you towards the best possible device to obtain an optimal price.  

Rating and value of XVII  

Hunting harquebuses are sought-after objects by collectors. However, price differences can be considerable, depending on order, state of preservation, who owned it, and other criteria. Nowadays, prices for these objects can rise considerably under the auctioneer's hammer. Buyers from all over the world are interested in the sale of certain rare pieces. The price at which they are sold on the art market ranges from €1,200 to €45,000, at the moment - a considerable difference, but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to these weapons. In 2022, an arquebus inlaid with mother-of-pearl and decorated with small bronze sculptures sold for €28,160, while it was estimated at between €12,000 and €15,000.

Order of value ranging from a simple order to the most prestigious

Returning to the history of the spinning-wheel hunting harquebus

During the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci became interested in the spinning-wheel mechanism, which he theorized and schematized. The spinning wheel is a steel part in the form of a wheel, toothed or notched. It is used to rub the firing plate to trigger the shot. Once the hammer is engaged, the springs kick in, creating a spark to ignite the priming powder.

However, despite Leonardo's writings in the Codex Atlanticus, the first spinning-wheel mechanisms are thought to have originated in Northern Germany. The Netherlands, close to this area, quickly developed the same mechanism. The first spinning-wheel harquebuses appeared in these regions in the 15th century, and were to develop with the Italian wars in the following century, as firearms took on a greater role in combat. The spinning-wheel harquebus, however, appears impractical, as does the Italian spinning-wheel pistol. On the battlefield, flintlock weapons quickly gained the upper hand. Nevertheless, spinning-wheel harquebuses remain in use for hunting, which requires less precision than combat, and allows for more patience. 

This is why in the 17th century, these weapons are also developed for decorative purposes, using materials such as ivory or mother-of-pearl.

The flintlock hunting harquebus, a major innovation

The spinning-wheel harquebus presented some technical difficulties, so flintlock weapons were invented very quickly after the spinning-wheel harquebus.

The weapons were to differ because of their patina : Martin Bourgeois combined the chenapan patina system and the miquelet patina system. This system lasted for two centuries, until percussion systems were introduced. The spark is no longer created with the spinning wheel, but with the flint: a small piece of the stone in question is attached to the hammer. The trigger is triggered and the flint touches the pan where the gunpowder is housed: the spark is created.

This invention is used for hunting harquebuses, proving to be practical and quicker to fire. Flintlock technology reached its apogee during the Napoleonic Wars, with the fusils of the 1st Empire.

Reasons to sell a hunting harquebus at auction  

If you own a hunting harquebus, and don't know how to sell it, auctions are one solution. Indeed, collectors use this medium to find models that correspond to a particular battle or that belonged to their ancestors. Prices can reach unprecedented heights. Some spinning-wheel harquebuses can fetch thousands of euros at auction.   

These objects are not just weapons, but a historical witness to the scientific evolution of French weapon design. 

Knowing the value of a hunting harquebus

If you happen to own a harquebus, from any period, and would like to know its value, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using our form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your piece, as well as any relevant information about it. If you wish to sell your property, you will also be accompanied by our specialists in order to benefit from alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market inclinations.