Black Powder German Gun

[Trounce]

Hi all,

I have this beautiful gun that I need help identifying and approximate value.

The most identifying piece on the gun is a "Furst von Wrede" engraving. A little internet research shows that Furst von Wrede was a Bavarian field marshall but I'm not sure if it applies to him owning this gun or not.

I did remove the barrels and found no proof marks. Pictures below!

Thanks for the help!

 

[Trounce]

More pictures

 

[Trounce]

1 more picture of the barrels

 

[waidmann]

It is certainly fit for a Prince. I'm betting on personal property. It ought to yield to research.

I suppose a better translation might be peer or Duke indicating one elevated as opposed to Prinz.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Werde was a man of whom Napoleon I lamented , "Poor Werde, not even I could make him a general." It must be his son as Werde was From othe flintlock era.

 

[Mp7]

WOW. Nice find Sir.

to the "Fürst von Wrede"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Philipp_von_Wrede

... the rifle - as it´s percussion - would have belonged to one of his 8 children.

and here´s a Rifle from the same maker, comparable custom work.
http://www.hermann-historica.de/auktion/hhm51.pl?f=NR&c=48525&t=temartic_S_D&db=kat51_s.txt

went for like 10.000$

 

[Trounce]

Thanks all for the information so far.

Would you suggest using Bonhams for research and appraisal?

 

[Mp7]

an auction would be the best i guess.

Might even fetch more, if u find a german collector for it.

 

[KodiakBeer]

... the rifle - as it´s percussion - would have belonged to one of his 8 children.

It could have been converted.

 

[Dr.Rob]

For somthing like this you're going to find few comparables I'd look at Bonham's for an appraisal so it can be properly insured.

 

[Liberty1776]

that's neat - it's like a double-barreled Jaeger. And I love the two different rifling styles. Gotta love the German and Austrian stuff - if it can be made more engineered and complex, they'll give it a shot...(pun intended...) Beautiful top-quality gun.

 

[Cosmoline]

Wow! Looks like it saw quite a bit of hunting, too. It was someone's favorite double. That would really appeal to me more than a wall hanger that had no erosion or wear marks.

 

[rswartsell]

Trounce,

When you learn more, please update us. It's not often I see such a fine piece of history and I'm dying to know if it's distinguished pedigree can be confirmed.

 

[Trounce]

Sorry, I've been quite busy. rswartsell - I promise as soon as I have more information I will update this thread.