Manufactured circa 1880-1890 and numbered "2" of a set. The browned damascus barrels respectively signed "JOH. KALEZKY K.K. ÖSTERREICHISCHER" and "& KÖNIG: SERB: HOF. LIEFERANT IN WIEN" on each barrel towards the breech. Raised flat rib engraved with a small spray of scrollwork at the breech and fitted with fixed rear sight with scroll engraved blued steel tunnel cover. Casehardened action with carved percussion fences, large gold inlaid crowned monogram of Emperor Franz Josef I on the upper tang, gold washed strikers and Lefaucheux type rotary underlever with partially checkered dark horn grip. Casehardened rebounding back-action side locks, trigger guard with pierced scrolled dark horn finger rest behind, trigger plate with a bright single set trigger for each lock, and butt plate. Well figured 14 inch stock with raised cheekpiece, checkered grip and permanently attached forearm. A small vacant silvered escutcheon is inset on the underside of the butt. Two small iron sling mounts and fine bouquet and scroll engraving throughout. The lack of proofmarks indicating manufacture prior to the introduction of the first Austrian Proof Act in 1891. Weight 7 lbs. 15 oz. Provenance: Property of a German Prince, the great, great grandchild of Emperor Franz Josef I, Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary.

Extremely fine. The barrels retaining 85% browned finish with some surface marking and scratches from storage. Front sight element is missing. Casehardened finish remains remarkably strong throughout with 80% remaining. The fine engraving is crisp and sharp. The stock has minor storage and handling blemishes, checkering is sharp. Both set trigger mechanisms function correctly. Mechanically excellent. This rifle has survived in remarkable original little used condition and would grace any collection sporting firearms.

A damaged and incomplete barreled action of a double barrel 16 gauge underlever hammergun by Kalezky with 28 3/4 inch damascus barrels with gold inlaid floral ornament, the number "2" and maker's signature "JOH. KALEZKY IN WIEN" on the rib. Action with carved percussion fences engraved in low relief with foliage and with gold inlaid crowned monogram believed to be for Emperor Franz Josef I. Modified and improved cylinder chokes and 2 5/8 inch chambers.

The barreled action is in relic condition having suffered considerable exposure to moisture and badly damaged when this group of guns were buried for safe keeping by the vendor's family during the Second World War.