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LOT 332
Exceptional Panel Scene Engraved and Relief Carved H. Burgsmuller & Sohne System Burgsmuller Schuetzen Rifle - Serial no. 12957, 8.15
mmx46 R cal., 32 1/4 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This c. 1908 rifle dates to after Hermann Burgsmuller’s son Karl became the manager of the company. The barrel has a radiating design engraved on the face of the muzzle, a post front sight on a ramped base with open top globe (wings), fluted fore section, stippled top flat, large adjustable notch rear sight, empty non- factory drilled taps for scope mounting, “H. BURGSMULLER & SOHNE” inlaid in silver on the
upper right flat near the breech, “KREIENSEN-
GERMANY” inlaid on the upper left flat at the breech, the matching serial number on
the left flat, two silver bands at the breech, and German proofs and the “4.08” proof date on
the underside. The frame has the serial number on the left, “SYST. BURGSMULLER/D.R.G.M.” inscribed on top, classic German black-leaf engraving, a mask design between the breechblock and peep sight base, large diopter peep sight, mythical beast on the right side along with a scene of two men talking, another scene of two men on the left side with one seated and another shooting a rifle as well as a building in
the background and detailed foliage, a rendition of Pheme/Fama (Fame) to the rear of the panel scene (winged figure blowing a horn), another mask design on the lever, and drop out double set triggers. The forend has a carved dog’s head with glass eyes, floral carving on the rear flats, and a mounted palm rest. The Tyrolean buttstock has coordinating floral carving on the flats at the front of the wrist, scroll accents around the checkering, a large cheek rest followed by a highly detailed relief engraved scene of an excited marksman with his hat in one hand and a pipe in the other and a target in the background, a stippled thumbrest on the right, and a hooked buttplate. A modern plastic transport case with interior fitted to the rifle is included. CONDITION: Very fine with exceptionally crisp engraving, dark patina on the silver, 85% original blue and 75% casehardened finish, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, and generally only light wear. The barrel has some bright spots and light pitting visible ahead of the forearm on the left side. The wood is fine and has crisp carving and checkering, minor dings and scratches, and a repaired thumb rest. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Buckstix Collection. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500 LOT 333 Engraved Martini Action Schuetzen Rifle - NSN, 8.15X46R cal., 30 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The barrel has a post front sight with winged adjustable base, an adjustable notch rear sight fitted on the flared mounting section, German proofs and “7.14” proof date on the bottom, and the caliber designation ahead of the forearm. The frame has scroll and border engraving, German proofs, and a peep sight on an integral base with large disk. It is equipped with replacement double set triggers and mounted with a smooth Schnabel forearm and checkered stock with large rectangular cheek rest and hooked buttplate. An unrelated false muzzle, starter, and adjustment key are included. CONDITION: Fine with 85% plus of the original blue and 40% casehardened finish, some light spotting, and general minor wear. The wood is fine and has some glued repairs and flakes in the edges of the wrist, light figure, mild scratches in the otherwise crisp checkering, and general minor wear. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The Buckstix Collection. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 334
Exceptional Gilt Presentation Sword with Scabbard Inscribed to Captain Diedrich Niemeyer by the New York Schuetzen Corps in 1912 - The 32 inch straight blade is decorated with gilded etching that includes a motif based on the Great Seal of the United States on one side, intertwined “US” on the other side, and “FRANCE” and an unclear maker’s mark on one ricasso. The gilt brass hilt has eagle, lion, and floral motifs, pearl grip with gilt wire wrap, and gilt sword knot. The nickel scabbard has brass fittings. The folding languet is inscribed “PRESENTED TO/Capt Diedrich Niemeyer/New York City Schuetzen Corps/JANUARY 9TH 1912.” An obituary in The Herald Statesman from 1963 indicates he was a German born restaurateur who ran Niemeyer’s Restaurant on Central Park Avenue and a Mason. Before the U.S. became involved in World War I, Schuetzen clubs were major parts of German-American culture, and many still remain active today. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine overall with mostly bright blade with minor oxidation in the background etching, minor dents on the scabbard, and minor age and handling related wear. Pearl grip is excellent. Estimate: 1,500 - 2,500
CAPTAIN DIEDRICH NIEMEYER, WHOM THIS SWORD WAS PRESENTED TO, WAS PART OF THE NEW YORK CITY SHUETZEN CORPS AND RAN NIEMEYER’S RESTAURANT ON CENTRAL PARK AVENUE
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