It is highly probable that this substantial rifle was made by a close relative of Frank William Freund and George Freund who are recorded as working in Heidelberg prior to emigrating to the United States and establishing the famous western chain of gun shops under the “Freund & Bro.” banner. With swamped Damascus barrel cut with seven groove rifling and signed “W. FREUND IN HEIDELBERG” and “CANON DAMASSÉ” in gold on the top flat, with blued windage adjustable bead front sight and casehardened tangent sight. Border engraved patent breech with fence around the percussion nipple finely chiseled in low relief with a monster-head. Engraved standing breech and back action lock, the latter with pierced and engraved cock, the head of which is chiseled with a further monster’s head. The wrist of the stock is mounted with a blued and casehardened adjustable aperture rear sight and the trigger plate fitted with a set trigger and hair trigger. The rifle has a finely figured walnut full length stock which has a carved raised cheekpiece and basket-weave checkered panels to the wrist and forearm. German silver ramrod pipes and barrel key escutcheons to the forearm. The forearm tip and ramrod head are of dark horn. Furniture of black horn finely carved in relief with foliage, a dog’s head on the trigger guard, and a small game scene involving a deer on the side plate.

Very good. The barrel has a dark grey patina with a very attractive and bold Damascus pattern. The standing breech and lock are each a lighter grey patina, and the engraving is clear on both. The stock has a highly figured butt, numerous age related storage and handling marks and bruises, and a small old insert repair in front of the lock. The carved furniture is also very good. The trigger guard has a glued repair on the finger rest. The sights have traces of original finish. Mechanically excellent.