^Lot 101 Fine Mid- to Late 19th Century Viennese Cartridge Double Rifle, by Albert Staehle

Fine Mid- to Late 19th Century Viennese Cartridge Double Rifle, by Albert Staehle (k.k.Hos Buchsenmacher in Wien), all of which is marked to top of matted rib, #1472, .62 cal., 24'' rifled Damascus barrels, case hardened frame and back lock, right lock marked ''Staehle'' behind hammer; left lock ''in Wein'', with checkered walnut patchbox stock and horn back trigger guard and underlever. Trigger guard is marked with crown-''CR'' royal cipher. It is interesting to note that the ''k.k.'' marking to barrel rib represents pre-1867 royal warrant as a gunsmith to the court of Austria. Crown-''CR'' cipher to bottom of trigger guard is consistent with personal items belonging to Crown Prince Rudolph of Austria (1858-1889). Rudolph was the only son of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and Empress Elizabeth and the heir to the combined throne of the Austrian/Hungarian Empire, who died under mysterious circumstances with his mistress while on a supposed hunting trip. Condition is fine to near excellent with thinning and light general toning to Damascus barrels; case hardened portions have silvered somewhat. Stock retains sharp checkering and shows evidence of a professional period accomplished butt extension. Action remains crisp, bores are excellent. Est.: $2,500-$3,500. (Antique)