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J.Springer vorm. Nowotny In Wein, in gold the top barrel rib. The 26 inch barrels are 18 bore and have 12 groove rifling of 1/26 for the right barrel and straight in the left barrel. Right barrel is stamped "PROSPER BERNARD" with a "PB" proofmark, a "NB" or "NR" and 150? Theses last two marks are hard to read. The left barrel is Stamped "CANNONIER BREVETE" with the same "PB" proof. The date "1857" and another number are on the bottom rib. Two peculuiar things stand out on this rifle. There are many brass tacks outlining the checkering on the wrist and also on the forearm where there is no checkering. If this was not done by the builder then it was done many years ago by a very skilled hand as they are perfectly and precicely placed. Also along the barrel channel pieces of wood were installed to either prevent the forend from splintering or they were put there for a repair, again by a very skilled hand.

Johann Springer is recorded working for the famous Matthias Nowotny as a barrel maker and engraver from about 1840. In 1847 he married Nowotny's sister. In 1856 Nowotny shot himself, I have not been able to verify if it was accident of suicide. In 1857 Springer acquired Nowotny's business from his widow. He was made a citizen and appointed contractor to the Imperial Court in 1853 and he died in 1875. Any other info on this gun is very much appreciated.

Edited by Longknife (29/06/09 11:17 AM)