Ok, so it's probably not the world's oldest sniper rifle, but its really old and very accurate for its time period. Here is my Hackenbuchse wall gun from the 15th century:
This thing is an absolute monster! How long is it you ask? 66 1/2 inches or almost as long as a floor lamp:
For another perspective, here it is next to a 19th century percussion rifle:
Alright, now for the details: Of classic 15th century Hackbut/Hackenbuchse form with a very long, extremely well-made, hand forged, smoothbore, heavy, octagonal, 100+ caliber, iron barrel with side-mounted touch-hole and a slightly flared muzzle. An early form of hooded rear "peep" sight; and the underside with its original barrel-pin-loops (for a rudimentary stock). Of early and large size and missing its uppermost hack/loop.
Classic 15th century design with a faceted muzzle and the breech with a rounded breech-plug. Marked on its sides with three, circa 1534, gold-inlayed Papal seals/markings and with several earlier, incised Fleur-de-lis markings of the famed Farnese family. The markings likely that of Alessandro Farnese (1468-1549), who became Pope Paul III in 1534. Additionally marked on the underside of the breech with a large "M/M" within a circular cartouche, maker's mark of classic 15th century style (the marking appears to be un-recorded).
This thing is an absolute monster! How long is it you ask? 66 1/2 inches or almost as long as a floor lamp:
For another perspective, here it is next to a 19th century percussion rifle:
Alright, now for the details: Of classic 15th century Hackbut/Hackenbuchse form with a very long, extremely well-made, hand forged, smoothbore, heavy, octagonal, 100+ caliber, iron barrel with side-mounted touch-hole and a slightly flared muzzle. An early form of hooded rear "peep" sight; and the underside with its original barrel-pin-loops (for a rudimentary stock). Of early and large size and missing its uppermost hack/loop.
Classic 15th century design with a faceted muzzle and the breech with a rounded breech-plug. Marked on its sides with three, circa 1534, gold-inlayed Papal seals/markings and with several earlier, incised Fleur-de-lis markings of the famed Farnese family. The markings likely that of Alessandro Farnese (1468-1549), who became Pope Paul III in 1534. Additionally marked on the underside of the breech with a large "M/M" within a circular cartouche, maker's mark of classic 15th century style (the marking appears to be un-recorded).
