Manufactured circa 1880-1885. Blued octagonal barrel marked "GUSS STAHL" at the breech end and engraved with a band of foliage at the muzzle, slightly raised matt top-flat with ramp-mounted blade front sight and blued adjustable standing rear sight, casehardened border and scroll engraved octagonal receiver signed "MILLER & VAL. GREISS IN MÜNCHEN" on the side wall, bolt with flag-safety, receiver-tang fitted with a sprung aperture rear sight, casehardened trigger plate and double set triggers. Figured 13 ½ inch half-stock with checkered sliding patch box cover with push-button release, raised cheekpiece, checkered grip and scrolled wood pistol grip trigger guard, bright steel buttplate engraved with the serial number and diamond-shaped checkering (center of each diamond with a dot), sling mounts, and original brass-tipped wooden cleaning rod. Weight is 7 lbs. 8.4 oz. This gun bears the German crowned "V" Vorratszeichen mark denoting pre-1891 manufacture. Provenance: Property of a German Prince, great, great grandchild of Emperor Franz Josef I, Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary.

Very fine. Rifle retains 95% original blued finish with some scattered blemishes from spots of surface corrosion and a small wear patch to the matt rib. The receiver retains 70% original casehardened finish showing some fading and clear sharp engraving throughout. The very good stock is cracked at the wrist and appears to have been pinned. There are numerous small storage and handling marks and checkering remains sharp. The trigger mechanism sets correctly. This rare example of an early bolt action sporting rifle.