A Maine auction house is set to sell a unique Sebastian Hauschka rifle that was made for France's King Louis XV (1710-1774) on March 11-12.
 Sebastian Hauschka produced armaments for much of Europe's nobility |
The rifle has only recently been discovered and is expected to sell with a $150,000-250,000 estimate. It is decorated with the king's personal cipher and coat of arms inlaid in gold, as well as its original inventory number from the Royal Cabinet d'Armes.
The auction house's Wes Dillon commented: "Any Cabinet d'Armes gun is the greatest treasure a collector or public institution can own, but to acquire the personal gun of one of France's great kings is a once in a generation opportunity.
"The offering of Louis XV's gun is the first time in 41 years that a gun of such royal pedigree has been offered at public auction. Time will tell if this magnificent war trophy will indeed be worth a king's ransom."
 The gun features the king's personal cipher and coat of arms inlaid in gold |
Sebastian Hauschka was a master 18th century German gun maker who produced armaments for much of the European royalty of his day. The rifle is a stunning example of his craftsmanship, featuring a walnut stock, gilt silver trigger guard, octagonal barrel and a gold and silver encrusted butt.
Also expected to command high bids in the sale is George Armstrong Custer's 7th Michigan Cavalry materials from the US civil war. The collection contains documents, letters, photographs and one of his medals, as well as a sample of the Confederate Appomattox surrender flag. It is expected to sell for $45,000-65,000.
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