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LOT 305
Rare, Cased and Finely Engraved Rajput
Gunesh Brunswick Style Rifle with Gold Inlaid Borders and Damascus Barrel - NSN, 69 cal., 30 inch octagon bbl., brown/heat blue/casehardened finish, walnut
stock. This rare belted rifle was manufactured in Ulwur (modernly spelled Alwar) in what is now the Indian State of Rajasthan circa 1860 during the British Raj. Ulwur was once the capital of the princely
state of Ulwur ruled by Rajputs until it joined India in 1949.
Belted balls were first designed in the 1830s, and the
belted British Brunswick upon which this rifle is based proved to be more accurate at long ranges than the Baker Rifle it replaced. The top of the Damascus barrel at the breech reads “GUNESH. GUNMAKER ULWUR- “ and
the lock plate is marked “GUNESH”. The lock plate, hammer, and upper tang have scroll engraving with gold filled borders. A dog with a small animal in its mouth is on the lock plate just ahead
of the hammer which has an animal design with gold filled eyes. The trigger guard is engraved
with a bird scene, and another engraved bird is visible ahead of the screw on the upper tang. The buttplate features complementary engraving. The barrel has a gold filled stripe at the breech as well as a rectangular pearl insert and is fitted with a blade front sight and a folding rear sight with two leaves. It has a
straight wrist half-stock with horn forend cap, initial plate, and multi-point checkering at the wrist and forend. Includes a wooden case
with unmarked round inscription plate and fitted green fabric lined interior containing accessories including two cap tins, powder flask,
cleaning tools, rods, oiler, two measures, mold, five belted balls and one expanded ball, patch cutter, and round patches.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel retains 70% of the original brown finished Damascus pattern with some light scratches, oxidation, and
a brown patina. 70% of the case colors remain at the breech and on the guard around the nipple. The other components have a dark gray patina with the buttplate and trigger guard retaining 50% of the heat blue finish. 98% plus of the gold fill remains. There are various light scratches throughout particularly on the trigger guard and raised areas of the buttplate. The stock is finely revarnished with a golden tone, glossy varnish, and has crisp checkering. There are some faint scratches and small dings as well as a small chip on the right edge of the forend. Mechanically excellent with a functional half-cock safety lever. Clear markings. The relined case is very good with some light wear and some mild stains on the interior. The exterior is refinished. The patch cutter is a modern replacement; otherwise, the accessories are overall in fine condition.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,500
259
LOT 306
Finely Engraved C.A. Fischer & Sohn Back Action
Half-Stock Percussion Rifle - NSN, 50 cal., 29 inch octagon bbl., grey
finish, walnut stock. The C.A. Fischer & Sohn shop was active for nearly 240
years from 1778 to 2018 in the port city of Lubeck in Northern Germany. The rifle has blade
and notch sights, “C.A. FISCHER & SOHN IN LUBECK” in gold and bordered by silver on the top of the
Damascus pattern barrel, a silver band at the breech, scroll engraving on the breech and German silver furniture, double set triggers, a reposed deer engraved on the trigger guard bow, sling swivels on one ramrod pipe and the butt, checkered wrist, grooved wooden patch box lid with horn release button, and
cheek rest.
CONDITION: Fine with dramatic twist patterns along the barrel, light gray patina, minimal minor spotting, vice mark at the breech, minimal wear, and
crisp engraving. The stock is also fine and has attractive figure, smooth finish, and minor pressure marks and scratches. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250