Numbered "2" of a set, with browned damascus barrels inlaid with two gold lines at the breech end and struck with Belgian proofmarks and possibly a barrelsmith's stamp for Auguste Francotte. Concave rib signed "H. LEUE & TIMPE HOFBÜCHSENMACHER BERLIN" and fitted with a brass bead front sight. Action with permanently attached forearm with barrel bolt, carved fences and finely scroll engraved upper tang also engraved with the crowned monogram "W I". Casehardened bar-in-wood side locks each engraved with sprays of scrollwork and a scrolled border, the blued trigger guard, rotary under-lever and steel butt plate are engraved en suite. Well figured 14 1/2 inch walnut half stock with raised cheekpiece, checkered grip and forearm, a pierced scrolled horn finger rest fitted behind the trigger guard. The underside of the butt inlet for a shield-shaped escutcheon, and fitted with two iron sling mounts. Wilhelm I (1797-1888) became King of Prussia on his father's death on 2 January 1861 and was crowned Emperor of Germany on 18 January 1871 following the unification of Germany. He served in the Prussian army from 1814 and was present at both the battles of Ligny and Waterloo in 1815. He continued to serve in the military and rose to the rank of Field Marshal and made Governor of the Fortress of Mainz. As a second son he was never expected to ascend to the throne but when his elder brother, Frederick William IV, died in 1861 without issue he was crowned Wilhelm I of Prussia.

Fine. Barrels with some age related storage and handling marks, small scattered patches of corrosion marking and some loss to the older rebrowned finish. Rib signature remains clear. The engraving to the action and locks remains clear, the locks retain traces of original casehardened finish. The trigger guard and under-lever each have clear engraving and some rubbed original blued finish. The rear hook of the finger rest has an old chip, the edges of the chipped area worn smooth. The stock has age related storage and handling marking and bruising throughout, the left edge of the forearm is lacking a sliver along the entire edge. The small shield-shaped escutcheon missing from the underside of the butt was of the same size and shape as those on other guns in this group engraved with the crowned "V" monogram which is believed to be that of Princess Victoria (1840-1901), future Empress of Germany and Queen of Prussia. The buttplate is worn and rubbed bright with some discoloration, engraving remains clear. Mechanically excellent.