Lot 1407: Austrian Werndl Action Single Shot Sporting Rifle

This sporting rifle, built on an Austrian Werndl breech system, was made by Joseph Heinige of Vienna, Austria, who was an active gunmaker circa 1870-1880. Features a blued octagonal barrel retained by a single wedge, floral designs behind "JOS. HEINIGE IN WIEN" etched on the top flat of the barrel behind the rear sight, a sliding detachable blade front sight ahead of a fixed post front sight surrounded by a semi-circular hood, and a tangent leaf rear sight. Casehardened frame, breech block, hammer, lock plate, trigger guard, and buttplate. Checkered Mannlicher style stock with raised cheek piece, horn tip on the forend, sling swivels mounted on the forend and bottom of the buttstock, and fitted with an iron ramrod.

Very fine, retaining 90% period refinished blue finish on the barrel with some light flaking on the refinished rear sight, and 90% vivid refinished case colors with scattered light freckling overall. Stock is fine as re-oiled with a few light scratches, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.