SOLD
125,000.00USDto floor+ buyer's premium
This item SOLD at 2013 Mar 11 @ 16:46UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
Did you win this lot?
A full invoice should be emailed to the winner by the auctioneer within a day or two.
Please Note (3/1/13): Gun is accompanied by a notarized affidavit from the consignor stating the discovery of the gun in 1945 and its chain of possession since that time having been handed down directly through the family. Cal. .380 Groove diameter. 7 deep rounded grooves. This extraordinary rifle is of the very highest quality throughout, befitting a royal presentation piece and is also an exceptional rarity being a repeating rifle built on the Lorenzoni/Berselli system with a rotating breech accessing separate ball and powder magazines contained in the butt and operated by a 2.75 inch silver lever on the left side. The action is manually operated as opposed to cocking with each action of the lever as on many Lorenzoni system long guns and pistols. The action is of fire gilded bronze. The 25.5 inch swamped, octagonal barrel is engraved ìSebastian Hauschka A Wolfenbuttel (1695-1775). One of the great masters of 18th century German gunmaking, Hauschka was appointed as maker to the Court of Prince and Duke August Wilhelm von Braunschweig-Wolfenbuttel. As a Court maker, Hauschka was required to make the most elaborate guns for presentation to foreign monarchs such as The Holy Roman Emperor, Charles VI, King Friedrich Wilhelm I of Prussia, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria ordered by the Prince of Salm, and the present rifle for King Louis XV of France. The flat lock of steel with separate priming magazine of fire gilded brass has a rebated tail and deeply moulded bevels. The cock is en suite with the lock and displays Hauschka's characteristic artistry in steel carving. All furniture is of brilliantly fire gilded brass. Trigger guard is fluted at bow and spurred at wrist with decorative filed finials.The buttplate which offers access to the magazines has a broad tang with hinged receptacle and a spring loaded cover retained by a button catch. The inside of the lid is engraved ìHauschka Pinxitî, Latin for ìHauschka Painted Thisî, referring to the relief carved mother of pearl portrait of Louis XV which it once contained, now missing. All features and embellishments on King Louis XV's rifle are of the highest order of gunmaking. The gold on the barrel is inlaid and engraved rather than damascened. The most important of these inlays is the personal insignia of the French King himself, consisting of mirror image ìL'sî between an X and a V in an oval with crossed laurel leaves behind, surmounted by a Sovereign's crown and all surmounted by a sun in splendor. Other gold inlays are of a helmeted warrior, doubtless Louis XV, with elaborate border over an oval cartouche with the Bourbon lilies, the three fleur de lis. The gilded action is finely engraved with acanthus at the breech end. A likeness of Louis XV in a tricorn hat flanked by two of his hunting dogs appears on the top of the action drum. The tang is engraved with a classical Romanesque laureled head. The rebated section of the lockplate is chiseled in low relief with scrolls and engraved with a stag. A grotesque face is engraved behind the cock. The buttplate is cast and chased in high relief, nearly in the round, and a Sovereign's crown adorns the door of the magazine. The stock is of the finest, highly figured, stump walnut with exceptional quality relief carving of acanthus scrolls, dragon heads, and grotesques. The molded and sculpted borders extend along the sides of the toe which is incised with the inventory number of the French Royal Cabinet d'Armes ì464.î The butt is adorned with incredibly engraved silver plaques featuring mythological beasts, Putti, and scrolling wire after designs in the pattern books of Jacquinet and DeLacollombe (1705) in the so-called Berain style as in the Le Conte gun made for Louis XIV and inlaid in silver by Jean Berain. The right side is inlaid with Putti and a griffon and the left a Putti over a Sovereign's crown. The fore-end is of straight grain walnut, pinned to the barrel, relief carved and false ramrod held in by fire gilded brass thimbles. PROVENANCE: NOTES: The Cabinet d'Armes begun by King Louis XIII was the single most important collection of firearms ever assembled. The ìcabinet d'armesî was set up in the Louvre Palace and first cataloged in 1673. A second inventory took place in 1717 and the third and final inventory began with the reign of Louis XVI and was completed in 1775. This must have included Louis XV's Hauschka rifle, number 464. Whether one accepts the theory that the Cabinet was housed at the Bastille, the Louvre, or the Garde-Meuble Museum, the events of 1789 took their toll on the Royal Collection. In 1815 Paris was occupied by the English and German armies and according to the late, great firearms scholar, Dr. Leonid Tarassuk, ìThere is little doubt that during the occupation of Paris, British and probably Prussian military authorities selected and sent home as war trophies a number of weapons...î As the Louis XV Hauschka rifle came from Germany after WWII it seems likely that it was sent home by an official attached to the Prussian army after the fall of Napoleon. The damage may have occurred earlier as many Cabinet pieces bear various losses. A wheel lock, # 94 formerly in the Henk Visser Collection was badly damaged when found and was missing its entire barrel attachment. The magnificent wheel-lock, #29 formerly in the Joe Kindig Jr. Collection is missing its trigger-guard. The grand flintlock #134 by Pierre Le Bourgeios a Lisieux, regarded by Metropolitan Museum curator Randolph Bullock as ìThe most beautiful gun in the worldî was finally acquired on behalf of the museum after a fifty year long pursuit, during the auction of the Collection of William Goodwin Renwick Jr. on November 20, 1972 by Frank Partridge for the sum of 125,000 British Pounds or 312,500 dollars. Any Cabinet d'Armes gun is the greatest firearms' treasure a collector or public institution can own, but to acquire the personal gun of one of France's great kings is a once in a generation opportunity. The Louis XV gun is the first time in 41 years that one is offered at public auction. In 2013 dollars, the Metropolitan's Louis XIII gun cost more than 1.7 million dollars. In June of 2009 letters from Louis XV were sold in Paris. Among them was a note from the King to his cousin, the Duc de Penthiver referring to an incident involving the King shooting his horse by accident. ìThe wild boar, which was very large, charged at me...My rifle misfired when I saw him and I didn't have time to turn him aside...(the bullet) wounded my horse in the buttock.î King Louis may well have been carrying this very rifle on the infamous hunting trip. CONDITION: Untouched as found with mottled. brown oxidation on steel surfaces but no serious pitting. The bronze/brass mounts retain nearly all of their brilliant fire gilding with only minor high point wear on the edges. The stock is cracked through at the right side to the rear of the action, tang to lockplate, and from lock to trigger plate. There is some very minor loss of wood at top of lock. Despite these easily restored imperfections, the stock retains nearly all of its original oil finish though it is dry and exhibits minor marks and dents as well as spatters of white paint on the left side. There are three missing silver inlays and others are held in place by cellophane tape. There is a loss to a portion of the gilt brass sideplate. The fore end shows actual carrying wear, minor cracks 3 inches back from muzzle and a 2.5 inch by .25 inch sliver from barrel channel near muzzle at right. The screw in the trigger guard finial has been replaced with nylon to preserve the integrity of the stock. 4-47690 MRZ/MGM199
Auction Location:
203 Skowhegan Rd, Fairfield, Maine, 04937, United States
Previewing Details:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, March 8-10, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., March 11 & 12, 8:00–10:00 a.m.
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
21% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
No Info Available
Payment Details:
No Info Available
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- Discover
- Money Order/Bank Draft
- Check/Cheque
- Wire Transfer
CONDITIONS OF SALE - PLEASE READ
Please be sure to read the conditions before participating in the sale.
For years, we have worked hard to develop a reputation for honesty and fairness. We have tried to apply this same principle in preparing this particular sale. So that you might know what the limitations are for this sale, we have tried to clearly outline the conditions below, which will specifically indicate how various circumstances will be handled.
1. GUARANTEE: We have attempted to make a consistent effort in cataloging and correctly describing the property to be sold. The catalog descriptions carry a limited guarantee. Please be sure that you know that. It is a guarantee to protect you against major discrepancies that would have a major effect upon the value of the item. Under no circumstances do we guarantee against anything less than a major discrepancy that would have less than a major effect upon value. This limited guarantee covers authenticity. It also covers any major restoration or repair not described. Also we guarantee against fakes, reproductions or major fabrications. As outlined above, our guarantee is limited, however, it is almost unique in a business that operates “Caveat Emptor”. This is not a perfect system, however, and it is important to be aware of that. Our intention is to be as fair as possible in our catalog descriptions but it is virtually impossible to adequately describe an antique or collectible item that has been used and shows signs of wear. If you are a discerning, highly particular customer, expecting mint or near mint condition, it is advisable that you not ever submit absentee bids here or at any auction house without seeing the item in person, since your definition of condition might be far more particular than what any cataloger would have time or space to specify. The entire purpose of our catalog description is to give our readers a general description and idea of what the lot is and we will stand behind that description regarding a major discrepancy only. If the discrepancy is less than a major discrepancy, under no circumstances would any adjustment or refund be made. Should the need arise, the auctioneer reserves the right to make verbal corrections and provide additional information from the block at the time of the sale. Absentee bids will not be executed on items that are found to be other than described in the catalog unless we were able to contact you prior to the lot being sold and advise of this discrepancy. If we are unable to reach you or if time does not permit, we will not execute your bid. Please Note: the only thing we guarantee is what is in print in the catalog and what is announced from the block at the time of sale. Absolutely nothing discussed over the telephone or in person prior to the auction shall be construed as part of the guarantee. Since opinions can differ, particularly in the matter of condition, the auctioneer will be the sole judge in the matter of refunds. This guarantee is limited to the following time duration and limits. Please read:
A. TIME LIMIT: For live bidders it is expected that you have examined the items before you purchased them and that as you pick them up, you will re-examine them one last time. If there is a problem regarding condition, it is expected that you would notify us immediately before leaving the auction facility. If you are an absentee bidder then it is your responsibility to examine the lot immediately upon receipt. If a major discrepancy should be discovered, it is your responsibility to contact us immediately. Please note: All guarantees and options for refunds or adjustment become null and void 45 days after the auction. We pay consignors on the 45th day. Once we have paid our consignors we no longer have control for the payment and under no circumstances can we consider any refunds. If you suspect that there is a major discrepancy or problem with authenticity of your lot, it is your responsibility to contact our office before the 45 days are up and let us know that you need some extra time. We can usually make arrangements to extend the guarantee for a few days if you personally advise us. Please note: If you pay late and thus, receive your items late, it does not qualify for special privileges. The guarantee is null and void 45 days after the auction. It is your responsibility to pay for and acquire your purchases in a timely fashion. So if there is a major discrepancy, you have time to notify our office. Please remember that if you call us 46 days after the auction, there is nothing we can do about a major discrepancy except apologize to you. If you want to be considered for an adjustment or refund, it is your responsibility to notify us within 45 days after the auction.
B. LIMIT OF RESTITUTION: Under no circumstances will the auctioneer be responsible for lost profits or other financial damages. Refunds requested on the grounds of authenticity must be accompanied by at least a supporting written statement from an authority recognized by the auctioneers. Auctioneer will not be responsible for shipping costs, after auction appraisal fees, testing or any other post auction costs. If it is agreed that an item may be returned, it is the buyer’s responsibility to return it in the same condition as received.
C. TYPE OF RESTITUTION: An item that qualifies for an adjustment is limited to one of the following options:
1) Major problems, (i.e. fakes, significant alteration, major unannounced restoration, etc.) will result in a refund in sale price, adjustment in sale price or repair by the auctioneer. The auctioneer shall be the judge as to the final resolve.
2) Less than major problems or discrepancies are not part of the guarantee and no refund or adjustment will be considered for less than major problems.
2. RECEIPT OF GOODS: All goods sold will be tagged and can be claimed upon presentation of paid receipts ONLY. All items to be wrapped will be wrapped by the purchaser, unless the items are to be shipped.
3. PROTESTED BIDS: In case of a disputed bid, the Auctioneer is the sole determinant as to who is the successful bidder and at his discretion may re-offer and resell the article in dispute.
4. TAX: State of Maine sales tax is 5% and will be collected at time of payment unless a current sales tax certificate is on file or if shipped anywhere except Maine and Massachusetts. If purchases are shipped to a Maine address, sales tax of 5% shall be collected unless a current sales tax certificate is on file. If purchases are shipped or delivered to a Massachusetts address, sales tax of 6.25% shall be collected unless a current sales tax certificate is on file.
5. NOMINAL BIDS: The Auctioneer may reject nominal bids, small opening bids or very nominal advances made with purpose of disparaging an item. If a lot fails to open for 25% to 30% of the low estimate, the item may be passed from the block by the Auctioneer and may not be re-offered until a later sale.
6. ABSENTEE BIDS: Phone, fax or mail bids will be accepted with a 20% deposit, late bids or last minute bids can be confirmed with a Visa or MasterCard number, in many cases. In such case, the bookkeeper will execute such bids competitively. It is entirely possible to buy items by absentee bid for less than your top bid price. Please Note: Absentee bids are a service provided to our customers free of charge. Every effort is made to execute all absentee bids; however, you must know that this is not a perfect system neither here nor at any other auction house. In the event of an error of omission or failure to properly execute absentee bids, the auctioneer shall not be held liable.
7. TERMS: All items are to paid for in American funds at the day of the auction. Non-residents who have not established an account with us and wish to pay by check, must do so prior to the beginning of the auction by presenting a current letter of reference from their bank or by providing references which are suitable to the auctioneer. Absentee Bidders - Directly after the auction a bill will be sent to you for the items you purchased and a total amount due. This bill is due upon presentation and must be paid immediately. The auctioneer reserves the right to hold merchandise purchased by personal check until the check has cleared the bank, if the auctioneer deems such action necessary to protect his interest. For bidders located outside of the United States we only accept payment by checks drawn on U.S. banks or wire transfer.
8. INTEREST AND DEFAULT: Payment is due upon receipt. If the buyer’s invoice is not paid in full within 15 days of the auction, James D. Julia, Inc. has the right and will charge the buyer’s credit card of record on file for the total invoice amount. Interest will be charged on all balances not paid at the rate of 1-1/2% monthly (18% APR) effective 15 days from the date of purchase/auction. Should the buyer not comply with any of the Conditions of Sale, the damage recoverable from the defaulter shall include any loss arising on the resale of the lot, together with the charges and expenses in respect of both sales as well as any legal or collection fees incurred. James D. Julia, Inc. shall hold any money deposited in partial payment on account of any liability of the defaulted item.
9. RESERVES: Some items in this auction may carry a conservative reserve. Therefore, the auctioneer may bid on behalf of the owner or for the auction house. The purchaser will be the highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer. Please note that when a lot carries a reserve, the reserve is usually somewhere below the low estimate in the catalog. Actual reserve figures cannot be divulged, but we will tell you if an item carries a reserve should you ask.
10. WITHDRAWAL: We reserve the right to withdraw any property before sale and shall have no liability whatsoever for such withdrawal.
11. TITLE: A title passes upon the fall of the Auctioneer’s hammer. It will then be the responsibility of the buyer to make full payment prior to removing the goods from the premises. It is both the buyer’s risk and expense for removal and must be made at the conclusion of the sale unless other arrangements are made with the Julia’s Operations Manager. Please note any lots we might make arrangements for moving or storing are solely at the risk of the owner and any damage or loss occurring after the fall of the hammer becomes that of the buyer.
12. PHONE BIDS: At the discretion of the auctioneer, phone bidding may be arranged on more expensive items, (i.e. $500 or more). In order to make arrangements to bid on the telephone at the time a lot is being sold, you must contact our office in advance of the auction. We will make arrangements to call you just prior to the lot being sold so that you may bid over the telephone. There are usually a limited number of phone lines available into the room, so if you wish to bid over the telephone, it is important for you to make your arrangements early. “Cover-me Bids”: if you wish to bid by telephone, you might also want to consider a “cover-me bid” at the time you make arrangements for phone bidding. A “cover-me bid” allows your phone contact here at Julia’s to still execute a predetermined bid amount for you in the case that they cannot get through to you on the telephone. Your phone agent is the only person who will have this bid and will only use it to bid in the event that he/she cannot reach you. Assuming you are reached via telephone, they would not use your bid, but rely on your verbal instructions. “Cover-me bids” are not mandatory, you can place one at your discretion, they are simply a safety device in the event you cannot be reached by telephone in time.
13. AGENT RESPONSIBILITY: If you are registering or executing a bid for someone else under your number, please bear in mind that you are responsible for the settlement of that account with us regardless of whether the person you’re executing or registering for pays you or not.
14. BUYER’S PREMIUM: Shall be reduced to 18% of the final bid price, to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. This is assuming the account is paid by check, cash or any equivalent of cash. If you settle your account by credit card the buyer’s premium then shall be the standard 21% of the final bid price which will be applied to each lot sold to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price.
15. LEGAL DISPUTE: Any legal disputes arising from this auction shall be settled in the court system in the State of Maine.
16. UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE: The Maine Uniform Commercial Code, Title 11, Section 2-328 applies to this auction sale.
17. ACCEPTANCE OF CONDITIONS: Bidding on article(s) indicates your acceptance of all of the above terms.
18. MAINE AUCTIONEER RULES AND REGULATIONS: The Maine Auctioneer Rules and regulations are regulated by the Maine Board of Licensing of Auctioneers, 35 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333.
19. AUCTIONEER’S LICENSE NUMBERS: Auctioneer: James D. Julia ME License #AR83; NH License #2511 Mass. License #1406
NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS.