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Lot 34:Cased Identified Royal Pair of Finely Engraved Gold Inlaid C.G.

April 20th, 2012|Rock Island, IL

Lot 34:Cased Identified Royal Pair of Finely Engraved Gold Inlaid C.G.

April 20th, 2012|Rock Island, IL

Price Realized:

Estimated Price$15,000 - $25,000

A) Finely Engraved Gold Inlaid C.G. Koenig Double Hammer Rifle

This matched pair of double rifles were reportedly made for the Royal Family of Karl Gustaf by C.G. Koenig, Sachsen, Coburg. Caspar Georg Koenig (1793 - 1857) and his two sons Julius (c. 1822-55) and Gustav (c. 1826 - 60) served Prince Albert's father Ernest I and his son and successor, Prince Albert's brother Ernest II, as court rifle makers. The tradition of gunmaking in Coburg is closely linked to the history of the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg. In earlier times this meant the provision of military weapons and the armory of the Veste Coburg remains among the largest in Germany. In the modern period the emphasis was on sporting and presentation weapons. The presentation guns tended not to be used in the field and therefore allowed the maker use the costliest materials and use the most ambitious ornamentation. These rifles fall into the latter category. The Damascus twist barrels gauge at 45 caliber and appear to have chambered a tapered straight neck black powder cartridge. The solid matte features a dovetailed blade front sight and a two leaf, (one fixed, one folding), rear sight. The rib is marked "C. G. KOENIG IN SACHSEN COBURG." and the breech end is marked with a large "1" (B), and "2", (A). There is a sling swivel eye mounted on the underside center rib. There are various proof marks on the flats which are also marked "60" and the rifle is marked "22" on the bottom of the lug, ("B" has no marking in this location). The frame, locks, under lever, hammer and forearm latch assembly are engraved with floral scroll designs. In addition there are relief engraved animal scenes, three bears in a wooded scene on the right side of the frame, two quail in a wooded scene on the left side, a deer in a wooded scene on the left lock and a fox in a wooded scene on the right lock. The top of the frame is marked with the respective "1" and "2" and there is a gold inlaid Royal Cipher on the tang between the hammers. The water table is marked with two crossed crown/scepter proof marks. The walnut splinter forearms are fully checkered, attached to the frame and numbered "1" and "2" respectively on the inside of the hardware. Double triggers, (left adjustable), hammer safeties and mounted with a checkered walnut straight grip stock with a checkered iron buttplate. The pair is complete in a nicely constructed homemade wooden case with green felt lining and 7 compartments.

ConditionFine as partially period refinished, the barrels, which retain 70% blue finish with some pitting on the left barrel, a few minor dings and scattered areas of the Damascus pattern showing. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth gray patina, with some strong traces of original case colors on the lever and some original blue on the trigger guard. The wood is very good. There is a few minor chips along the upper edge of the forearm and a moderate gouge on the left side, scattered minor pressure dents and scratches on the stock, and a few minor bruises in the otherwise crisp checkering. The engraving remains crisp. Mechanically fine. The custom made case is good as constructed with a few light exterior scratches and some lining wear.

Details

ManufacturerUnknown

ModelRifle

TypeRifle

ClassAntique

Caliber / Gauge11 mm

Barrel27 3/8 inch solid rib

Finishblue/casehardened/gold inlaid

Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL

Catalog page22

B) Finely Engraved Gold Inlaid C.G. Koenig Double Hammer Rifle

Described in "A".

ConditionFine as partially refinished, the barrels, which retain 85% thinning blue finish with some scattered minor pitting and much of the Damascus pattern showing. The trigger guard shows much of the original blue finish mixed with a smooth brownish patina. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth gray patina. The wood is good with chipping along the upper edge of the forearm, and moderate chip on the stock toe, a few minor pressure dents and scratches, and overall crisp checkering. The engraving is crisp. Mechanically fine.