AR729 - 12mm percussion Schutzen sporting rifle by Funk, Suhl.
A muzzle loading percussion rifle with double set triggers, which could be used for either target shooting or hunting, both popular pastimes in 19th century and imperial Germany and across the German states. Likely manufacture between 1850 and 1880. Funk was a significant name in Suhl gunmakers throughout the 19th century, possibly Jacob or Johann Funk, both known from the very late 1840’s and it is believed to become incorporated later as I Funk & Comp. The octagonal hook breech 30¾” barrel is signed in gilt inlay on the top-flat 'I. FUNK & COMP IN SUHL', dove-tailed bead fore-sight with curved side protectors, dove-tailed rear-sight with brass insert elevating blade on an ornate base in the form of an arrow. Engraving at breech, long engraved top-tang with provision for a peep-sight (absent), borderline and scroll engraved back-action lock with gravity swing dog safety, forward of the en-suite hammer, walnut stutzen-style full-stock chequered at the wrist, raised cheek-piece. All the iron furniture is engraved en-suite including a large patch-box to right hand side of butt, raised lower tang and recurved trigger guard. Fitted with double set triggers. The barrel is retained by two keys set in white metal oval barrel-key escutcheons. The lipped ramrod thimble to the fore end secures a leather(?) covered iron ramrod. 
Good and well-defined rifling. Old cleaning to the metalwork but well and considerately done