This profusely engraved rifle is dated "24.12.1885" on the buttplate and as the exchange of Christmas gifts traditionally occurs on 24 December in Germany the inference is that this rifle was a Christmas gift. The blued octagonal to round barrels with doll's head extension are respectively signed on each tube towards the breech "J.F. TIMPE" and "HOFBÜCHSENM. BERLIN" and engraved with a spray of scrollwork at each breech. The broad raised matted rib with large white metal bead front sight, blued fixed rear sight and numbered "1". Casehardened action with carved percussion fences, rebounding side locks and blued trigger guard each profusely engraved with tight scrollwork, the blued top lever engraved with the crowned monogram "F". Casehardened trigger plate with a set trigger for each lock. Dated steel casehardened butt plate with hinged trap cover finely engraved with checkering, each diamond with a central dot. Well figured 14 1/4 inch semi-pistol grip stock with raised cheekpiece, checkered grip and forearm, the last with dark horn tip. Blued iron sling mounts. Frederick (1831-1888) was the only son of the German Emperor and King of Prussia Wilhelm I. When his father died on 9 March 1888, Frederick had been the German Crown Prince for 17 years and the Crown Prince of Prussia for 27 years. He titled himself, under advice from Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, Frederick III. The year 1888 was to become known as the Year of the Three Emperors as Frederick was suffering from throat cancer and his reign lasted only 99 days with the thrones passing to his eldest son Wilhelm.

Fine. Barrels have been period reblued, the signature and engraved sprays of foliage are slightly flattened as a result. The action, locks and trigger guard each retain most of their original finish and the engraved ornament is crisp and fresh. The buttplate retains some faded casehardened finish with crisp and sharp engraved ornament. The stock has some age related storage and handling bruising and blemishes, the tip of the dark horn finial to the forearm is chipped. Overall a beautifully detailed and well presented historic double hammer rifle.