Manufactured circa 1860-1865 and from a large stand of near identical sporting arms. With fine etched damascus barrels inlaid with two entwined gold lines at the breech. The raised flat rib with bead front sight, signed "JOH. SPRINGER VORM. NOWOTNY IN WIEN" in gold and with gold inlaid stand number "10" framed by scrollwork towards the breech. Sculpted breeches engraved with scrollwork and a bird in low relief on the rib between, and each with plug chiseled in the form of a rosette. The long shaped upper tang engraved with scrollwork and with gold stand number "10" and gold crowned monogram of Emperor Franz Josef I. Bar-in-wood side locks each with stepped tail and safety stop, respectively signed "SPRINGER" and "IN WIEN" and engraved with scrollwork inhabited by a bearded mask, all against a matte ground. Scroll engraved mounts including butt plate and trigger plate fitted with double triggers, that for the right barrel articulated. The trigger guard engraved in low relief with a game scene involving a dog and two ducks and with a pierced scrolled dark horn finger rest behind. Well figured 13 3/4 inch half stock with raised cheekpiece and checkered grip. Two iron sling mounts fitted with a contemporary brown leather sling, and original German silver mounted ramrod engraved with the stand number "10". Provenance: Property of a German Prince, the great, great grandchild of Emperor Franz Josef I, Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary.

Very fine. The etched twist pattern to the barrels remains mostly sharp with some scattered small patches of surface corrosion marking. The locks and mounts have clear unpolished engraving and the deeper low relief decoration retains much detail and delicacy. There is some discoloration to the butt plate. Some minor scattered age related storage and handling marks and blemishes to the otherwise very fine stock, checkering remains crisp, Mechanically excellent.