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LOT 272
Elaborate Engraved and Gold Inlaid Neapolitan Miquelet
Sporting Gun from the Royal Manufactory of Naples - NSN, 14 gauge, 36 1/2 inch part octagon bbl., blue/gold/bright finish, walnut
stock. This Neapolitan sporting gun dates to the first quarter of the 19th century, and notes from the Norman R. Blank Collection indicate
it belonged to Victor Emmanuel I, King of Sardinia and Duke of Savoy (b. 1759-d. 1824, r. 1802-1821) who reigned during the turmoil of the
Napoleonic era. The smoothbore, faux Damascus, two-stage octagonal to round barrel features a gold blade front sight with inlaid “spider” base,
engraved floral band and chiseled girdle at the transition point followed by gold inlaid floral patterns and gold inlaid fleurs-de-lis, crosses, and
blooms along with sunken gold lined “crown/R” and “FAB.R./DI/NAP.” marks for Fabbrica Real di Napoli (Royal Manufactory of Naples) at the breech;
gold lined vent, and floral engraved tang with gold inlaid accent. The left flat has a “crown/BS” mark. The lock has a sunken gold lined “crown/R” mark,
floral engraving, gold inlays, and pierced floral designs with file work. The inside of the lock has a sunken “crown/S” mark. The trigger guard has a sunken gold lined “crown/GAE/ FLO/RIO” maker’s mark surrounded by a classical martial trophy on the bow and floral engraving. The side plate features a motif of a two birds. The two barrel bands have sets of three pierced slits and floral engraving. The Madrid style stock also has a floral engraved heel plate. Includes a cloth covered rod for the barrel.
CONDITION: Fine with bright original gold, 40% original finish on the barrel, mostly silver-gray patina on the balance, patches of minor pitting, and generally overall age and storage related wear. The engraving and markings remain crisp. The stock is fine and has minor scratches and dings, a thin crack at the breech on the left, and light edge wear. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The W. Keith Neal Collection; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 7,000 - 10,000