Robert Ancell is recorded as being active in Perth from circa 1829 but the presence of a reference to H.R.H. Prince Albert in his barrel signature dates this particular gun to 1840 or shortly thereafter. Converted to a breech-loading pinfire from the original percussion by "H. LEUE & TIMPE" in Berlin and bearing their number "1951". This particular conversion to a top lever system was more complicated and expensive than the more common rotary underlever conversions, and the quality of actioning is very high. The damascus barrels have a broad concave rib numbered "1", engraved with a spray of scrollwork at the breech end and on the doll's head extension, and signed "ROBERT ANCELL. 44 GEORGE ST. PERTH. MAKER TO H.R.H. PRINCE ALBERT". Engraved casehardened action with carved fences signed "H. LEUE & TIMPE" on each side and with pierced blued top lever bearing the crowned monogram "F". Finely border and scroll engraved casehardened bar-in-wood locks each signed "ROBERT ANCELL". Engraved steel mounts including blued trigger guard engraved with a pair of hounds and casehardened trigger plate with pineapple finial and rear tang with a brace of pheasants. Well figured 14 1/2 inch stock with raised cheekpiece, checkered grip and permanently attached forearm. With old handwritten collection tags, one with wax seal, and two 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.