Beschreibung:

An 18-bore German percussion sporting gun, an 18-bore Austrian percussion sporting gun, and an 11-bore Liege d.b. percussion shotgun The first signed Des Chasaux A Paris, late 18th Century, the second by Schreiber in Gratz, mid-19th Century, the last unsigned, circa 1860 The first in the Parisian manner and converted from flintlock, with three-stage sighted barrel retaining faint traces of original blue, octagonal breech etched and gilt (gilding rubbed) with the signature, a trophy of arms and foliage, bevelled lock engraved with foliage and a monster-head, figured walnut full stock carved in relief with rococo ornament and foliage, cheek-piece, engraved iron mounts including solid side-plate and reinforcing strap along the wooden trigger-guard, and sling mounts (worn overall, ramrod missing); the second with two-stage sighted barrel signed in silver on the octagonal breech, signed engraved lock, wooden full stock with cheek-piece and sliding patch-box cover, chequered grip, and engraved iron mounts (rear ramrod-pipe, escutcheon and ramrod missing, worn overall); the last with twist sighted barrels struck beneath each breech with the maker's mark of Auguste Francotte ( Neue Støckel 386), scroll engraved back-action locks and mounts, walnut half-stock, cheek-piece, chequered grip, and iron sling mounts (ramrod missing), Liège proof 38¼in. (97.1cm.), 37in. (94cm.) and 28¾in. (73cm.) barrels (3)