AR748 - Jung of Suhl Percussion Schuetzen Sporting Rifle.
A 14mm percussion Schuetzen or sporting rifle by Jung of Suhl. Octagonal barrel; the engraved lock fitted with an interesting and novel nipple cover safety: this sort of safety device may also be seen on some patterns of German States military arms, although remains an uncommon fitting. Double set triggers. Damascus 25½” (65cm) octagonal barrel, old re-browning, retained by two cross-pins:  the top of the barrel is engraved with “F JUNG & SOHN A SUHL”, with saddle rear-sight with one fixed and one flip-up leaves.  Plated trigger guard and butt plate. Engraved lockplate, hammer and swivel safety (this latter with a roller spring, so a quality made item), the lockplate engraved  F JUNG  U SOHN IN SUHL.  Patchbox to butt, stock chequered and embellished at wrist and forend. Later replacement ram rod. Jung is a well known name in the gunmaking centre of Suhl, with F (Friedrich?) being known 1840-50’s. Numbered 4205(?) on toe of butt. Missing nipple pricker from butt. Target shooting was popular across 19th century Germany with little differentiation between target (Schuetzen) and sporting rifles. Woodwork  generally clear of dents or damage, but has old varnishing, which could be improved with removal and cleaning.