Johann Jakob Behr was active around 1690-1745 in Maastricht and/or Liege. Fine firearms by Behr are in multiple fine public and private collections such as the MET and Chicago Art Institute. This c. 1730 smoothbore sporting gun has a two-stage barrel with a brass blade front sight, nearly full coverage stippling floral, and scroll engraving, "VIVE LA CHASSE" (French for "LONG LIVE HUNTING"), an engraved and silver inlaid stag over a geometric pattern on top near the breech, grotesque mask and shell/fan pattern at the breech, and floral patterns on the tang. The gilt brass lock has primarily engraved and raised relief scroll and floral designs, a grotesque mask cock screw, and "I I BEHR" near the bottom below the pan. The finger groove trigger guard and other furniture are also gilt brass and have coordinating designs. The half-stock has a Spanish/Portuguese style fluted butt with a brass buttplate, inlaid lines on the right among the flutes, foliate carving, and an elaborate contrasting star design inlaid on the left side.

Fine with gray and brown patina on the iron, strong original gilding on the lock and much of the furniture, patches of exposed brass displaying natural aged patina, crisp engraving and markings, and mild overall wear. The partially restored stock has some repaired cracks and filled grain, mostly crisp carving, and minor scrapes and dings. Mechanically excellent.