July 15, 1854, was the opening of the Erste Allgemeine Deutsche Industrieausstellung (First General German Industrial Exhibition) centered at the Glaspalast (Glass Palace) in Munich. The Glaspalast was modeled after London's famous Crystal Palace used in The Great Exhibition of 1851, the first of the World's Fairs. The exhibition closed on the 18th of October that year, and the medals were given out the following spring. The Exposition Universelle de Paris was held the following year. Given the dates on the barrel, this gun may have been crafted for one or more of the exhibitions, or the date markings may be based on when the maker won awards. C.F. Beddies of Brunswick is listed as active around 1850-1860 in "A History Of Firearms" by Pollard from 1926. He may have become a photographer thereafter as there was a man by that name in that line of work in the city later in the 1800s. The barrel has a floral motif engraved on the muzzle face, a smooth oval bore, dual gold bands at the muzzle, a blade front sight, engraved notch rear sight with three additional slip on sights in the patch box, "ACIER FONDU" (molten steel) and "C.F. BEDDIES IN BRAUNSCHWEIG." inlaid in gold, "18" and "54." in gold inlay flanking a silver inlaid eagle on a branch surrounded by a silver border, "18 [eagle with wreath]55" in gold inlay surrounded by silver inlaid scroll accents, and gold inlaid scrollwork and dual bands at the breech. Coordinating relief scrollwork carving and engraving is found throughout. The upper tang has "W Bautler" or "W Boutler" in gold Gothic script with golden scroll accents. The lock has a hunter and his dog pursuing a stag in gold in a detailed scene the lock, and the hammer is engraved like a beast and has a gilded tongue and eyes. The safety and bolster have bestial faces probably based on wolves. The trigger guard has a hunter standing over downed stag and blowing a horn in gold in a detailed scene. There are gold deer in detailed scenes on cap box and buttplate heel/tang. The toe of the buttplate has an eagle. The stock also has a horn forend cap. It is equipped with double set triggers.

Very fine with 95% plus of the dark period refurbished blue finish and fine original gold and silver inlays, minor scratches and dings, minimal wear concentrated on the buttplate, and crisp engraving. The stock is also very fine and has some attractive figure, mostly smooth finish, some minor scrapes and pressure marks, and crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. This is an incredible piece of Old World craftsmanship.