Browned twist barrels respectively signed "JOH. SPRINGER’S ERBEN IN WIEN" and "K.K. KAMMER GEWEHR LIEFERANTEN" towards the breeches, matte rib bearing a bead front sight and engraved with a spray of foliage at the breech end, 2 ½ inch chambers, and cylinder bore in each. Casehardened action with sculpted percussion fences, chiselled with the crowned monogram "L," and with dark horn cover with checkered tip to the underlever, casehardened bolted back action locks each signed "JOH. SPRINGER’S ERBEN/WIEN" on ribbons, sprung front trigger, casehardened trigger guard and dark horn scrolled pistol grip finger rest. Well-figured 14 inch stock with raised cheekpiece and checkered grip and permanently attached forend. The left side of the butt is stamped with an eagle and "ORTSPOLIZEIBENÖRDE/NO./WINDHOLK/2787", steel buttplate with hinged trap-cover engraved with the serial number, the trap containing a takedown cleaning rod, rear iron sling mount and front sling mounting point beneath the barrels (loop missing). Decorated throughout with best quality border and scroll engraving. Weight is 6 lbs. 14.2 oz. This gun bears Belgian black powder only proofmarks (non-definitive) and the German crowned "V" Vorratszeichen mark and was meant for use with ball or bullet. The makers have kindly confirmed that this shotgun was completed in 1878. The maker’s records note that this was ordered for Crown Prince Rudolph Habsburg, but the presence of the chiselled crowned "L" monogram indicates the actual recipient was almost certainly Prince Leopold von Bayern. Barrel measurements: right nominally proved at 17.0mm, measuring 17.0mm+, minimum wall thickness 41; left nominally proved at 17.0mm, measuring 17.0mm+, minimum wall thickness 45. Provenance: Property of a German Prince, great, great grandchild of Emperor Franz Josef I, Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary.

Very fine. The barrels retaining 90% original browned finish showing some storage and handling marking and rubbed on edges. Action and locks retain 95% original vibrant casehardened finish. Right hand mainspring at fault. Engraving clear throughout with some wear to that on the buttplate. The buttplate retains 40% original faded casehardened finish. The stock has numerous storage and handling marks and checkering is crisp. The horn cover to the underlever is lacking a retaining screw and is chipped around the aperture for the missing screw. Overall a very attractive heavy game gun by one of the finest Continental European makers.