Multiple rifles in this same basic fashion from the mid-19th century are known signed by Johann Daniel Moritz and his son of the same name (signed "I.D. Moritz Sohn," sohn meaning son in German). They come from a long line of gunmakers. The barrel on this rifle is made from a very attractive etched barrel with floral scroll and band patterns along the length of the visible flats, plain lower flats, "S.B.A." marked on the bottom, a dovetailed blade front sight, adjustable notch rear sight, inlaid gold and silver band and entwining lines, "I. D. MORITZ SOHN, IN LEIPZIG." inlaid in gold on top of the breech section, "ENGL:GUSS STAHL" inlaid in gold across the upper flats at the breech, and a scroll engraved double bolster patent breech. The lock has a Dacian draco style motif on the hammer with gold accented eyes and ears, entwining scroll engraving, a rotating hammer stall, and a scene of a stag in a wooded scene. Coordinating scroll patterns and wooded scenes inhabited by deer are featured on the upper tang, side plate, patch box lid, and the left side plate is engraved with three stags in a coordinating wooded scene along entwining scroll patterns. The same scroll patterns and a third coordinating wooded scene, this time with a stag and doe, are on the upper tang which also has a mount for a peep sight (absent). The other furniture is mostly German silver and also includes primarily scroll pattern engraving along with some acorn and mask elements. The scrolling trigger guard has a gold and silver scene of a hunter with a rifle by tree on the bow and encloses double set triggers. The rifle has the traditional sling swivel fitted on the forend and a sling stud on the bottom of the butt. The stock has elaborate relief carved acanthus scroll patterns inhabited by a squirrel and bird on the right side of the butt and a detailed woodland hunting scene of two hounds taking down a stag on the left side at the rear of the large cheekpiece. The buttplate has "No. 849" at the toe.

Fine with subtle original case colors, light but visible etching along the barrel, bright gold inlays, aged patina on the silver, minor aged patina on the German silver furniture, and distinct engraving and markings. The stock is also fine and has mostly crisp carving, dark and glossy finish, some chips on the edge of the flats, another small chip on the comb, some tiny flakes at the edges including the toe, and general mild scrapes and dings. The trigger group could use some adjustments, as the hammer does not stay cocked without using the set trigger.