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300
LOT 315
Elaborately Engraved, Relief Chiseled, and Gold and
Silver Inlaid Boxlock 16 Gauge Percussion Double Barrel Shotgun by Hubert Tils in Bonn - NSN, 16 gauge, 31
1/4 inch solid rib bbl., brown/silver/gold/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This c. 1840 sporting gun features Damascus barrels signed
“H. Tils in Bonn. Damas de Paris” on the concave rib along with a bead front sight and silver and gold inlays. The underside of the breech
has a “J.A. PETRY/A. LIEGE” barrel maker marking; J. Auguste Petry of Liege is listed as active c. 1842-1867 per “Der Neue Stockel” by Heer.
The action is similarly signed “H. TILS” on the right in gold and “IN BONN” on the left in gold and features scroll engraving, a chiseled
and engraved stag scene on top with gilt background, a gold inlaid hare scene, and scroll engraving and gold inlaid accents. The silver
trigger guard features a cast and engraved scene of a dog and a brace of fowl on the bow with gilt background and a scene with a pair
of hares on the tang. The silver buttplate features a cast and engraved scene of a dog retrieving fowl with gilt background. The stock has
a horn forend tip, checkered wrist, and 14 1/4 inch length of pull. Norman R. Blank purchased this gun from Martin B. Retting on August
10, 1958. Mr. Blank’s included typed collection notes include the remarks: “This gun has some beautiful decoration. The chiseling on top of the action is superb.”
CONDITION: Good with bright gold inlays, dark aged patina on the silver inlays, lighter aged patina on the silver mounts, gray and brown patina on the balance, mild oxidation/pitting
concentrated at the breech, repaired rear trigger, and mild wear. The stock is very good and has crisp checkering and mild dings and scratches. Mechanically functions.
Provenance: Martin B. Retting; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000