Numbered "2" of a set and manufactured in circa 1875. The damascus barrels with doll's head extension are each cut with six groove rifling and are engraved with a spray of scrollwork at the breech ends. The raised rib is engraved with further scrollwork at the breech end, signed "H. LEUE & TIMPE HOFBÜCHSENMACHER BERLIN" and fitted with a blued fixed rear sight and white metal bead front sight on a blued base. Casehardened action with carved percussion fences and blued top lever bearing the crowned monogram "F". Casehardened rebounding side locks each signed "H. LEUE & TIMPE BERLIN" and trigger plate fitted with a set trigger for each lock. Blued trigger guard and pierced scrolled dark horn finger rest. Butt plate with hinged trap cover. Well figured 14 1/2 inch walnut half stock with permanently attached forearm with hidden dark horn lever closure in the tip, raised cheekpiece, checkered grip and forearm. Iron sling mounts and fine border and scroll engraving throughout. With old handwritten collection tag. 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.

Very Fine. Barrels with some minor age related storage and handling marking, some small scattered patches of corrosion marking, strong browned finish and clear and crisp engraved ornament and signature. Engraved crisp and clear to the action and locks, each retaining strong levels of finish. Minor age related storage and handling bruising and blemishes to stock, small chip to edge of fore-arm. Minor wear to engraving on butt plate, some faded finish remaining. Mechanically excellent. A very fine example of a classic hammer rifle.