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Unique Cased Engraved Gold Inlaid Hafner Single Shot Target Pistol with Dedication

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,600.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD
Unique Cased Engraved Gold Inlaid Hafner Single Shot Target Pistol with Dedication
This is a nice example of a one-of-a-kind target pistol made by V. Hafner of Cassel, Germany, circa 1892. The pistol was made with a Remington style rolling block action and is chambered in 7.65x27R caliber. The octagon barrel is equipped with a dovetailed blade front sight and elevation adjustable rear sight. The top barrel flat is marked "V. HAFNER CASSEL" the only other visible marking is a gold inlaid Royal Crest crown over an intertwined "CB" on the upper tang. The frame, top of the breechblock, lever and backstrap are engraved with floral vine designs. The center of the buttcap has the same engraving design with an outer feather designed border. The lever locks into the front strap and has a spur that extends below the toe. There is a safety lever mounted on the left side of the frame and the pistol is fitted with a checkered forearm secured by a single wedge and checkered grip. The pistol is complete in a period oak case with green felt fitted lining. The inside of the lid has an affixed leather label, gold embossed "V. Hafner / Koigl, Hofbuchsenmacher / Cassel." (maker to the King) and the outside of the lid is marked in German, translated "reign at your own group with this gun / Believe me son control your feelings, / but then the best of all feelings are yours / Those who are kind people will see this world a long time / 1892". Obviously a gift from a father to his son. The case contains a small nickel oiler, a bullet seater, a nickel bullet mold, bore brush, brass caps and a number of conical lead bullets. The inside is fitted for four more items that are absent. Complete with a letter of appraisal from the Firing Line in Aurora, Colorado.
BBL: 10 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 7.65x27R
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Very fine. The barrel retains 99% original blue finish with some minor edge wear and a very small amount of light spotting. There is some oxidation under the forearm. The frame shows strong original blue finish on the upper tang and some faded blue in protected areas. The balance has a smooth gray patina. The breechblock retains 90% of the original case colors and the lever shows strong original case colors in protected areas with a smooth silver gray patina on the balance. The wood is very fine, with the exception of several small dents on the left side of the forearm, there are a few overall scattered minor dings and crisp checkering. The engraving is crisp. The action is excellent. The case is good overall with a crack on the upper left hand corner of the lid, a break and separation on the right front corner of the case, a small hole worn through the felt from the pull on a compartment lid and some minor wear.