The stunning rifle appears to have been originally built in the first half of the 18th century and then been updated late in the flintlock era about a century later c. 1829-1835. Johann Stockel (Steckel/Stekel/Stechel) and his son Johann Christoph Stockel are listed in "Der Neue Stockel" by Heer as active in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, around a century earlier, with the elder Stockel listed as active c. 1708-35 and the son starting around 1735. Robert Alden and Thomas Smith were partners c. 1826-1835 and were located at 55 Parliament St. for the last six years. They previously worked for Manton. The browned Damascus barrel has seven-groove rifling, a silver blade front sight surrounded by gold inlays, gilt notch rear sight, "~IOHANN~STOCKEL" signed on the breech section which also features gold inlaid scrolls and a band, a bright tang with a hair and floral design by the screw and a scroll design shaped like a "2" suggesting this fine rifle may have been part of a pair or larger garniture of related arms, and no proofmarks. The lock is the late period "waterproof" design with a guttered pan, frizzen spring roller, "ALDEN & SMITH/55 PARLIAMENT ST." on the frizzen, "ALDEN & SMITH/LONDON." on the plate," and engraving consisting of scrolls, border designs on the beveled edges, a running boar under the maker's mark, a wildcat on the tail, dog on the cock, and burst pattern on the top jaw. The lock is fired by an adjustable single set trigger with engraved plate. The furniture is elaborately cast and engraved gilt brass and features scroll patterns and numerous hunting themed designs, including scenes of various hunts, bestial masks, Diana, and more. The ramrod tip also incorporates a crown, a second style of crown/coronet is on the edge plate of the cheekpiece, and the wrist escutcheon includes another coronet design over the initial "P." The stock has fine raised relief and incised floral and entwining scroll carving that coordinates with the engraving as well as fine molding along the forend and butt, an absent inlay (possibly a collection tag) behind the trigger guard, hole for a sling stud, and matching carved wood patchbox lid with engraved gilt end plate. This fine rifle was reputedly gifted to Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, by King George III of Great Britain and Ireland. Palmerston was a key figure in 19th century British politics. He was Secretary of War from 1809 until 1828 and was thus in this important government position during the last eleven years of George III's reign, mainly during the Regency era, and then for most of the reign of George IV and then gained more power within the government during the height of the British Empire in the mid-19th century under Victoria, including serving twice as Prime Minister: from February 6, 1855, to February 19, 1858, and again from June 12, 1859, until October 18, 1865. The pair to this rifle is believed to remain in the collection of the British Royal Family.

Very fine with 95% plus of the restored brown finish, distinct Damascus patterns, and bright gold inlays on the barrel; mostly bright lock with some light patina and crisp engraving, strong gilt finish and distinct designs on the furniture throughout, and generally minor overall wear. The stock is fine and has a splice at the forend tip, lightly worn but mostly crisp carving, general dings and scratches, and mild overall wear. Mechanically excellent. This is a beautiful jaeger rifle with a ton of interesting design elements.