Pair of Jaeger Percussion Rifles (AL5355)

Very fine pair of percussion Jaeger rifles (Hunter's rifles) for a Schloss (castle or palace) as a part of a number of Jaeger rifles belonging to the owner or lord of a castle for use by guests invited for the hunt. Very often used when the invitees were aware that the lord would provide the hunting rifles so they did not have to bring their own. These rifles are marked on the top barrel flat "IOS Fruwirth in Wein" (Jos. Fruwirth in Vienna (Austria)). He is listed as working in Wein in 1740. The rifles are numbered one and two on the breech plug tangs. The butt plates are numbered N26, N25. It was normal for the Schloss armory to have many rifles and shotguns available for large gatherings of invited hunters and comradery and festivities ensued. 

Barrels are 20 3/4" and the overall length is 35 1/2" for each rifle. Caliber is .60 for both. The barrels are slightly swamped (flared) near the muzzles. The front sight is a dovetailed blade and is of silver. The rear sights are exquisitely chiseled and fixed "V" notched. Both rifles have adjustable double set triggers. The trigger guards are of brass and have a fine toned patina. The trigger guard finial is sculpted and inlaid into the stock which has been carved in relief around the finial. The stock is beautifully chiseled in relief with floral scrolls and shell patterns. The rifles have a front sling ring and a button behind the trigger guard. Patch box cover is removed by pushing down on the front end of the patch box while pushing rearward at the same time. Actions work perfectly. 

This is a very handsome pair of Jaeger rifles and rare to have been saved as a pair for over two centuries! Beautiful work by Fruwirth who was a renown master gunmaker.