Add to calendar
Product Details
* MADE FOR WILLIAM III, KING OF THE NETHERLANDS AND GRAND DUKE OF LUXEMBOURG
TWO 11.3x51mmR (DUTCH BEAUMONT) BOXLOCK NON-EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLES BY J. NOWOTNY, serial no. 6437 and 6495,
circa 1885, 26in. black powder only barrels with wave cut raised ribs, open sights with provision for one folding leaf sight (missing), bead fore-sights with flip-up moonsights (moonsight missing No. 6495), the tubes engraved 'J. NOWOTNY IN PRAGUE' (No. 6437), inscription rubbed No. 6495, early Anson & Deeley patent treble-grip actions with Westley Richards toplevers, automatic safeties with gold 'SAFE' details, profusely engraved with fine acanthus scrollwork, the sides with intricate scrolling banners engraved 'K.K. BUCHSENMACHER J. NOWOTNY IN PRAG' (No. 6437) and 'J. NOWOTNY IN PRAG' (No. 6495), retaining very slight traces of colour-hardening, 14 1/8in. well-figured stocks with spearhead drop points, sling swivels and engraved steel buttplates with ammunition traps engraved in script with the serial numbers, the heel of each rifle inset with a relief engraved shield-shaped escutcheon bearing the coat of arms of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, fore-ends with Deeley & Edge patent release catches and horn finials, weights 7lb. 12oz. and 7lb. 11oz., in a brass-cornered oak and leather double casted fitted for the rifles and a double leather motor case
Provenance: The Lot is supplied with two editions of 'The Double Gun & Single Shot Journal', Volume 17, Issue 4, Winter 2006 and Volume 18, Issue 1, Spring 2007. The contain a comprehensive two part article based on these rifles (together with a third contemporary rifle, no. 6457) entitled 'The King's Double Rifles'.
The article goes into great depth about the known history of the rifles and their being re-united by the author.
It informs us that rifle No. 6437 had been in the Royal family collection until the 1930's, when it was presented by Prince Hendrik to his driver, Fritz Loois, as a retirement gift. The second rifle is recorded as having come into the author's possession from the family of a prominent Dutch Ambassador, with the suggestion that it too had been gifted by the Royal family
* Please note this item is subject to 5% VAT on the hammer price (UK Buyers only).
Please click HERE to view Terms & Conditions. Please note all Lots are listed in accordance with UK Law, for overseas buyers, please ensure you are familiar with your relevant local firearms and customs regulations before bidding.
Estimate £7,000-9,000
Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the 1968 Firearms Act, to be held as a curiosity or ornament