The rifle was manufactured by Johann Springer of Vienna, Austria, for Kaiser Wilhelm II whose royal monogram adorns the top of the receiver. Wilhelm II came into power in 1888, and would be the last German Emperor and King of Prussia, abdicating the throne and going into exile at the close of the First World War. In early November 1918, a few days prior to Germany's defeat in a conflict that many blamed him for transforming into a world war, Wilhelm II sought asylum in the Netherlands where he died in 1941 after living a life as a country gentleman. The receiver features an extensive fine floral scroll engraved pattern with a deep relief carved royal monogram of Kaiser Wilhelm II (crown over "W") on the top. The barrel is fitted with a blade front sight and a two leaf rear sight (one folding, one fixed) on the matte top flat. The rear of the upper left barrel flat is marked "JOH SPRINGER" and the upper right barrel flat at the rear is marked "ERBEN IN WIEN." Founded in 1836, Johann Springer continues to be a leading Austrian retailer of hunting and sporting rifles and supplies and manufacturer of custom rifles on a limited basis under the name Johann Springer's Erben, which has brought together two of Austria's oldest and most respected gun markers, Johann Springer and Franz Sodia. The rifle is equipped with double set triggers. The bolt knob is checkered and the bolt handle is engraved. The left side of the bolt assembly is marked with the number "1120". The rifle has a blue barrel with the remaining surfaces casehardened. The highly figured, full length walnut stock features checkering on the forearm and wrist, a cheekpiece, an engraved single barrel wedge, horn forend cap and trigger guard extension and sling swivels. The flat metal buttplate is stamped "No. 6453" along with the number "24" on the tang.