Pair of 19th Century Royal Percussion Shotguns for King Ludwig II of Bavaria

A Pair of Royal 19 ^th Century Percussion 16 Bore Shotguns circa 1860s.

Made for King Ludwig II of Bavaria: £8,500

A very high quality pair of percussion shotguns made for King Ludwig II of Bavaria by Johan Reiger of Munich. These shotguns are fitted with Damascus steel barrels, inlaid gold and German silver fittings throughout. They have crisp and strong actions, inlaid walnut stocks with carved decorative scenes.

The first Shotgun made for Ludwig was around 1862 when he was a young Duke and has the Ducal Crown over his Cypher. The second Shotgun has the Royal Cypher which was made for when he was King.

These Shotguns would have certainly been used for hunting, most likely fowl.

These two are probably from the same garniture of guns of which one in particular sold at an auction in Rock Island U.S for $14,000.

King Ludwig was a controversial figure, known as the “Swan King”, he alienated his parliament with extravagant spends on high quality castles, décor, gifts and items. He built the fairy-tale like Neuschwanstein castle which nearly bankrupted his kingdom.

His government sought to dispose him despite his popularity with his people. He was declared insane and later died under very mysterious circumstances.

DIMENSIONS: L-124cm

UNIT: 60