A PAIR OF .650 CALIBRE BAVARIAN FLINTLOCK SPORTING RIFLES BY JOSEPH FREY IN MUNCHEN, CIRCA 1740 w

A PAIR OF .650 CALIBRE BAVARIAN FLINTLOCK SPORTING RIFLES BY JOSEPH FREY IN MUNCHEN, CIRCA 1740 with two-stage barrels rifled with eight grooves, fitted with silver `spider` fore-sights, stamped with the gold-lined barrelsmith`s mark (Neue Støckel 397), gold-lined vents, plain tangs each numbered `6`, engraved bevelled locks signed beneath the pans, decorated with hounds and Diana the huntress, fitted with swivel safety-steels, figured walnut full stocks carved with mouldings over the fore-ends, a bouquet of flowers behind the tangs, raised cheek-pieces carved with a spray of rococo flowers and foliage behind, chequered fore-ends and grips (the stocks possibly an early working replacement, one fore-end with a small chip), gilt-brass mounts comprising pierced side-plates numbered `1` and `2` respectively, trigger-guards decorated with scrollwork, lightly engraved butt-plates with tangs of shaped outline, three faceted ramrod-pipes, steel sling swivels (fore-end caps missing) horn tipped wooden ramrod (one missing) 104.5cm; 41 1/8in barrels (2)