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LOT 1261
Elaborate Johann Stockel and Alden & Smith Signed, Gold Inlaid, Finely Engraved, and Relief Carved Flintlock Jaeger Rifle Reportedly Formerly the Property of King George III of Great Britain - NSN, 58 cal., 29 3/8 inch octagon bbl., brown/gold/bright finish, walnut stock. The stunning rifle appears to have been originally built in the first half of the 18th century and then been updated late in
the flintlock era about a century later c. 1829-1835. Johann Stockel (Steckel/Stekel/ Stechel) and his son Johann Christoph Stockel are listed in “Der Neue Stockel” by Heer as active in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, around a century earlier, with the elder Stockel listed as active c. 1708-35 and the son starting around 1735. Robert Alden and Thomas Smith were partners c. 1826-1835 and were located at 55 Parliament St. for the last six years. They previously worked for Manton. The browned Damascus barrel has seven- groove rifling, a silver blade front sight surrounded by gold inlays, gilt notch rear sight, “~IOHANN~STOCKEL” signed on the breech section which also features gold inlaid scrolls and a band, a bright tang with a hair and floral design by the screw and a scroll
design shaped like a “2” suggesting this fine rifle may have been part of a pair or larger garniture of related arms, and no proofmarks. The lock is the late period “waterproof ” design with a guttered pan, frizzen spring roller, “ALDEN & SMITH/55 PARLIAMENT ST.” on the frizzen, “ALDEN & SMITH/LONDON.” on the plate,” and engraving consisting of scrolls, border designs on the beveled edges, a running boar under the maker’s mark, a wildcat on the tail, dog on the cock, and burst pattern on the top jaw. The lock is fired by an adjustable single set trigger with engraved plate. The furniture is elaborately cast and engraved gilt brass and features scroll patterns and numerous hunting themed designs, including scenes of various hunts, bestial masks, Diana, and more. The ramrod tip also incorporates a crown, a second style of crown/coronet is on the edge plate of the cheekpiece, and the wrist escutcheon includes another coronet design over the initial “P.” The stock has fine raised relief and incised floral and entwining scroll carving that coordinates with the engraving as well as fine molding along the forend and butt, an absent inlay (possibly a collection tag) behind the trigger guard, hole for a sling stud, and matching carved wood patchbox lid with engraved gilt end plate.