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a hereditary title given to the heir to the
throne of Portugal, at this time was Michael Maria Carlos (1853-1927).
Born in exile after his father (Michael I of Portugal) lost his throne to his brother Peter I of
Brazil (who then became Peter IV of Portugal), Michael married into European nobility and
was close to the Austrian imperial court. Judging by the unique white metal engraved game
record inset into the right side of the stock of this fine rifle, the Duke of Braganza and this rifle
were very well-travelled with game from wild boar and various species of deer to tiger, panther,
alligator, king vulture, eagles and Indian fox being recorded with rows of small pins. With browned
Damascus barrels respectively signed “J. SPRINGER. 7267” and “JOH. SPRINGER’S ERBEN IN WIEN” with a raised
matted rib with blade front sight and standing notch rear sight. Casehardened action with carved percussion
fences, permanently attached forearm, and non-rebounding bolted backaction locks each signed “JOH. SPRINGER’S
ERBEN IN WIEN”. Casehardened trigger plate with two set triggers, casehardened trigger guard, underlever,
pistolgrip cap and heel plate, the last with hinged trap cover. The whole with border and scroll engraving. Well- figured 13 1/2 inch pistol grip stock with multipoint checkering to the grip and forearm. Together with a modern print copy of the travel diary of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in German “Tagebuch Meiner Reise Un Die Erde 1892-1893”.
CONDITION: Fine as partially refinished. The barrels retain near 100% rebrowned finish with minor evidence of corrosion spotting on the rib, barrel signatures refreshed. Action retains 95% renewed casehardened finish with clear engraving, colors strong around the fences, a small patch of pitting noted on the left side beneath the fence. Locks retain 90% fading original casehardened finish. Engraving generally clear throughout. Stock is good with scattered age related storage and handling marks and blemishes. Guide lines for the game record pins visible, engraving to the game record plaque clear. Checkering remains well defined. Set trigger mechanism for the right barrel sticking. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 8,000 - 11,000
LOT 3413 Very Fine Engraved H. Scherping Single Shot Boxlock Rifle with Extra Length Barrel - Serial no. 857, 38 cal., 42 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Heinrich R. Scherping of Hannover was active starting in 1857 until his death in 1913. He was a royal gunmaker and also a retailer. The business continued until around World War II. The barrel has an adjustable semi-globe front sight, fluted fore section, matted top flat in the breech section, flared section on the upper flat fitted with an adjustable notch sight, “H. SCHERPING HOF=BUCHENMACHER” on the upper right, and “HANNOVER” on the upper left. The bottom of the barrel is marked with“857,”“K,”crowned proofs including a“crown/R”(proof after a repair/alteration) and“91/83.”The casehardened boxlock action has“H. SCHERPING” on the right, “HANNOVER” on the left, fine scroll and floral engraving, a folding base for a peep sight on the upper tang behind the top lever, Greener safety on the left with gold “SAFE” marking, adjustable double set triggers, and a spurred trigger guard. The long, Schnabel tip forearm has a coordinating engraved lever and checkering with lined borders, and the nicely figured buttstock has a checkered pistol grip with horn cap, prominent cheek rests on each side, and a casehardened single hook buttplate with light engraving. CONDITION: Very fine with 85% original blue finish, 75% plus original case colors, crisp engraving and markings, patches of brown patina and minor oxidation, some light marks and scratches, and general minor wear. The wood is also very fine and has attractive figure, mild wear on the otherwise crisp checkering, and light scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. This is a very attractive German rifle. Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
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LOT 3412
Fine Engraved Joh. Springer .577 (Black Powder) Double Barrel Rotary Underlever Hammer Rifle with Unique Game Record Inset Into The
Stock - Serial no. 7267, 577 cal., 26 inch bbl., browned/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The makers have kindly confirmed that this rifle was made in 1885 for the Herzog von Braganza with delivery taking place on February 1, 1886. The Herzog von Braganza (Duke of Braganza), originally