Pair of Exquisitely Gold-Inlaid and Engraved Percussion Shotguns by A.V. Lebeda, with Coat of Arms Motifs, Damascus Steel Double Barrels and Exceptional Carved Stocks, c. 1850

Serial nos. 2530 & 2553 (gold inlaid and engraved on bow of triggerguards), Comprising: 1) 12 gauge, 32 1/2-in. side by side Damascus round barrels; German silver pin front sight on center rib at muzzle; both sets of barrels equal to improved choke dimension; barrels and two ramrod ferrules richly detailed with Damascus motif; muzzles and breeches with gold-inlaid bands; German silver tipped ramrods; solid top rib inlaid with gold scrollwork and the partially relief signature "A.V. Lebeda W Prage" near breech with elaborate gold-inlaid low relief terminals; sculpted steel front view of wild boar head on top of breech between nipples; right lock with maker signature gold inlaid, "A. V. LEBEDA" within inlaid border beneath hammer; left side with address "A PRAGUE" within inlaid border; silver -inlaid and engraved aristocratic coats of arms, surmounted by crown, on upper tangs, both appear to be overlaid with varnish; platinum-inlaid rosette motif bushing to each gold-inlaid and engraved nipple bolsters; barrel tangs sculpted in relief with hawk and prey motifs; hunting dogs approaching covey of game birds carved on right lockplate; left lock with relief sculpted hunting dog retrieving pheasant; buttplate panel scene sculpted with fox about to be caught in snare, adjacent to gold and leaf scrollwork, on top of heel; triggerguard panel scene of relief-carved still life of kill of rabbit and birds on bow; front tang with relief carved squirrel motif; horn fingergrip and carved and pierced rear tang; fore-end caps with relief sculpted floral and foxhead motifs; double triggers; barrel breech and solid rib, barrel tang, hammers, back action locks and portions of triggerguard, fore-end cap and buttplate decorated with engraved and generally gold inlaid scroll and border motifs; steel buttplate heel engraved with floral scrolls, and with decorative scroll border. Elegantly relief carved and checkered varnished select walnut halfstock; the fore-end and wrist with minutely detailed checkered panels with border, floral and scroll motifs; buttstock underside relief-carved with elaborate panel of interwoven floral scrolls; left side of buttstock relief carved with scrollwork and crane, behind pronounced crescent cheekpiece. Sling swivel on bottom of butt and on center ramrod ferrule. Silver finished steel escutcheon key plates, with both ends of wedge key gold inlaid. Length of pull 14 3/8-in.
2). 60 caliber, 24 1/2-in. over and under Damascus round barrels with eight-groove rifling; express rear sight with one pivoting blade, the other stationary, graduated at 100 and 150, on base of Damascus steel integral with barrel; front sight a steel blade on steel base dovetailed at muzzle; barrels and left rib, and ramrod ferrules on right side richly detailed with Damascus motifs; muzzle and breech with gold inlaid bands; brass and German silver tipped ramrod; barrel breech with flattened top section inlaid with gold scrollwork and the signature "A.V. Lebeda W Prage"; sculpted steel mark of hunting sword and horn with floral flourishes on top of breech between nipples; right lock with maker signature gold inlaid, "A V LEBEDA" within inlaid border; left side with address "A PRAGE" within inlaid border; silver inlaid and engraved aristocratic coat of arms, surmounted by crown, on upper tang; matching coat of arms engraved with borders and scrollwork on steel fore-end cap; platinum inlaid bushing to each gold inlaid and engraved nipple bolster; barrel tang sculpted in relief with head of a bear; tiger or other wild cat motif carved on right lockplate; left lock with relief sculpted hound in pursuit of stag; buttplate panel scene sculpted running fox, within gold oval border and near gold and leaf scrollwork, on top of heel; triggerguard panel scene of relief carved hound on front tang and relief carved wild boar on bow; horn fingergrip and carved and pierced rear tang; double set triggers; gold inlaid pivoting manual safety for each hammer; breech, barrel tang, hammers, back action locks and portions of triggerguard, fore-end cap and buttplate decorated with engraved and generally gold inlaid scroll and border motifs; steel buttplate profusely engraved with floral scrolls, and with decorative border. Elegantly relief carved and checkered varnished select walnut halfstock; the fore-end and wrist with minutely detailed checkered panels with twist ribbon border and floral and scroll motifs; note classically influenced acanthus leaf motifs on bottom of fore-end; buttstock underside relief-carved with elaborate panel of interwoven floral scrolls, with dragon-head center motif; right side of buttstock with plain wood patchbox, with gold inlaid pivoting steel pull; left side of butt relief carved with scrollwork behind pronounced crescent cheekpiece. Sling swivel on bottom of butt; swivel stud on underside of barrel. German silver escutcheon key plates, with both ends of wedge key gold inlaid. Length of pull 14 1/4-in.

Condition: Both are Excellent. Both showing minor signs of use; some storage marks; gray patina to steel; some screwheads with light mars; 75% silver on right wedge key plate, 50% on left. 3 1/16-in. splinter from right fore-end just foreward of front of lock. Tiny threaded hole at front of triggerguard plate, possibly for nipple pricker, which is missing. Possibly old revarnish to stock.

Note: Anton Vincent Lebeda (1797-1857), Prague, Czechoslovakia, member of distinguished gunmaking family; completed training in 1813; worked short time in Germany and Vienna, with Franz or Johann Contriner. Known to have built fine guns for Kaiser Franz Josef I.

Provenance: Identification of the coat of arms would reveal the aristocrat for whom this exceptional shotgun was made. He was clearly a dedicated sportsman.

Estimate: $15000 - $25000