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C. WERTGARNER
A FINE COMPOSED PAIR OF AUSTRIAN 16-BORE SIDELOCK EJECTOR GUNS, NOS. 4379 AND 4392
29 1/2-inch Krupp steel barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about 1/2 and full choke borings, machined ribs and Kersten bolt extensions, the frames, locks and gold inlaid top levers with fine bouquet and scroll engraving and retaining much hardening colour overall, the maker's name signed within a scrolling banner, the fences with fluted side clips, gold lined cocking indicators, 14 1/2-inch highly figured stock including pistol grips, cheekpieces and ribbed butt plates, sling swivels, 6lb. 9oz., nitro re-proof
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 I 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 and it was handed to British forces on 1st July 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 £7500
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| Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns |
| Sotheby's, New Bond Street, London |
| 17 April 2013 |
| Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply |
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