#76 • Rare Antique Under-lever, Dbl Brl, Engraved, Shotgun with Exposed Hammers, 12 Ga.

Part of Mega Sportsman, Gangster, and Collectors Auction (timed auction by Wardlow Auctions)

High bid $395.00

Status: Sold

Category: Shotguns

This is a very unusual and good looking antique German hunting shotgun, sxs double barrel, 16 gauge, with heavy engraving, external hammers, double triggers, and underlever release. The underlever is conforms to and is under the trigger guard and swings out to release the barrel for loading and unloading. All metal (side plates, receiver, trigger guard, hammers, wedge head, butt plate) are heavily engraved. The left side plate is engraved with the name Freiburg I/B. The right side plate is engraved with the name J. Maier. Most engraving is floral but there is a deer engraved on the underside of the receiver. All characteristics indicate it is probably a German hunting gun. No other marks were found on the barrel or inside the receiver or forearm. The wood is in very good condition for its age and has a nicely checkered design on stock. The 30.75" barrel shows good bown patina and is presumed to be a Damascus barrel. The gun with the underlever feature is very similiar to a J. Rigby gun, though it is not a Rigby gun. This is a really nice looking and fairly rare gun with the underlever. Despite our attempts, we were unsuccessful in finding out any information about the maker and origin of the gun, so if any of our readers have such information they would be willing to share, we would appreciate it. SN: None found.