Percussion shotgun. Carved with ivory figure and gold inlay. Damascus barrel. Believed to be Austrian made. Stock is cracked as shown in pictures. Mechanism is in perfect operation order.
Dimensions
Acquired From:
Inherited
Dear Robert, Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. My sincere apologies for the delay with the appraisal. The presented object appears to be an exceptional double barrel side by side shotgun made by the German gunmaker "C. L. Helfricht" in Zella bei Gotha. The metal parts are engraved and etched and the barrel is marked with a probably gold inlay by "C. L. Helfricht". The stock is engraved and has an inlay with ivory. On the lock, we also as an inlay work the coat of arms of the dutchy of "Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach". Zella bei Gotha (Zella "close to" Gotha) was a center for gunsmiths since the 16th century. This shotgun was made for a member of the family of the dutchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. This is indicated by the coat of arms and also the elaborated workmanship in every detail. Comparable objects were rarely recently offered and sold on the international auction market. This piece is in medium condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided. A fair market estimation would be between 1.500 to 3.000 USD. This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary. With kind regards, George
