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C. WERTGARNER
A FINE PAIR OF GERMAN 16-BORE SIDELOCK EJECTOR GUNS, NOS. 4375.10/4392.10
29 1/2-inch barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about 1/2 and full choke borings, the flat machined ribs with Kersten bolt extensions, the frames, locks and top levers with fine bouquet and scroll engraving, the maker's name signed within a banner, the fences with fluted side clips, gold lined cocking indicators, retaining much of their original hardening colour, 14 1/2-inch highly figured stocks including pistol grips, cheekpieces and ribbed butt plates, sling swivels, 6lb. 9oz. nitro re-proof
S2
The guns were formerly the property of Ernest Augustus, Duke of Brunswick (1887-1953), the last reigning monarch of the House of Hanover. He was a first cousin of King George V, Czar Nicholas II of Russia, Christian X of Denmark and Constantine 1 of Greece.
According to the London Protocol of 1944, the Free State of Brunswick was supposed to become part of the British Zone of Occupation in Germany. US forces conquered the region in April 1945. However, on 22nd July the British effected a territorial redeployment to shorten the zonal border that allowed Blankenburg Castle, the Brunswick seat to fall in to the Russian Zone. The British army helped the ducal family to evacuate the castle by sending troops and thirty trucks to allow them to remove their chattels.
The guns were presented to Colonel Paul McConnell of the Cheshire Regiment who was responsible for rescuing the Duke before the arrival of the Russians. |
Sold for £8000
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| Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns |
| Sotheby's, London |
| 1 May 2019 |
| Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply |
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