Morawek O/U 16-Bore

Ferdinand Morawek O/U 16-Bore Hunting Rifle

[Text discription below]

80015
A Very Fine O/U Flintlock Sporting Rifle:
Bohemia ca. 1792.  16 Bore (16.83 mm) 0.662 cal.  A beautiful example of an O/U double barrel flintlock sporting rifle by Ferdinand Morawek (1). The O/U barrel group is very skillfully constructed with 24 in., 7 groove, blued, octagonal barrels having gold lined touch holes.  The attention to detail is incredible.  The top barrel flat has a silver foresight and a two leaf rear sight, one folding, each in dovetail slots.  At the breach, there are three inset gold "wheat bundle" touch marks along with Ferdinand Morawek’s sunken gold touch marks, featuring his name surmounted by a crown, and an additional maker’s mark, also in gold, showing a walking horse; (Der Neue Stockel # 7926 & 7927; Fig. 1). Lock plates are signed "Ferdinand Morawek" on the right, and "in Krumau" on the left.  The rifle is full stocked with dense, hard, Europian walnut in one section.  Fancy brass wrist escutcheon engraved with the letter "F".  Shoulder strap lanyard loop and button.  No proof marks or serial numbers are visible.  William Keith Neal Collection Tag: G73.  Length is 39.5 in. (100.5 cm).  Weight is 9.73 lbs; (4.4 Kg). 

Fig. 1:  Touch marks of Ferdinand Morawek.

Historical:

Ferdinand Morawek (1754 -1833) is listed in Heer (1) as a Bohemian gunmaker living in Jenikov where he was gun maker for the Princes of Auersperg (1781-1791).  Then in Krumau, as court gunmaker to the Princes of Schwarzenberg from 1792 until his death in 1833.

Note in patchbox written by William Keith Neal:

 “This double barrel flint rifle belonged to Lord Malmesbury (and) came from his armory at Heron’s Court Christchurch, Hampshire.  Bought at sale of his effects at Christie’s.” Fig. 2.

Fig. 2:  Note in Patchbox written by William Keith Neal.

Condition:

The condition is very fine, near new, and likely in usable condition.  Exceptional relief carving to the stock throughout.  Mechanics are still crisp with very strong mainspring pressure on both locks.  Bores are bright. Screw slots are in extremely fine condition, all indexed correctly, and essentially unused.  An outstanding quality, early hunting rifle in a much sought after O/U format.  Excellent provenance.

Discussion:

There are two important questions that seem to naturally surface about this rifle: 

1. "How did the rifle, being built by Ferdinand Morawek in Krumau, come into the possession of Lord Malmesbury?" 
2. "What is the significance of the large letter "F" on the wrist escutcheon?" 

Some detailed research has lead to the following:  The three inset, gold wheat bundle touch marks on the barrel breach are the same as those on the Schwarzenberg coat of arms.  This is consistent with Morawek's appointment as court gunmaker to the Princes of Schwarzenberg (1792-1833).  Therefore...

Provenance:

Amoskeag Auction: Lot 310; NOV 16, 2019. Mark Benenson (From 1995 to 2019. Purchased at Christies.)

Christie’s London: Lot: 95; NOV 11, 1995. “Fine Antique Firearms from the William Keith Neal Collection” Keith Neal Collection Tag: G73. £ 5,881.25 with premium.

William Keith Neal (From 1950 to 1990.)  Bought at Christie’s Sale of Lord Malmsbury’s effects; ca. 1950

The 5th Earl of Malmesbury (1872-1950).  Heron’s Court, Christchurch, Hampshire. 

The 1st Earl of Malmesbury (1746-1820).  Heron’s Court, Christchurch, Hampshire.

Frederick William II. King of Prussia (1744-1797).

Bibliography:

1.  Heer, Eugene (1978) Der Neue Stockel; Vol 2, p. 827-28. Journal Verlag Schwend GmbH; Schwabisch Hall.

2.  Online resources:

    a.)  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_of_Malmesbury]

    b.)  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurn_Court]

Heron's Court Christchurch, Hampshire; Now Hurn's Court.

1st Earl of Malmesbury (1746-1820)

5th Earl of Malmesbury (1872-1950)

William Keith Neal (1905-1990)

Frederick William II.  King of Prussia. 
(1744-1797)

Prince Schwarzenberg

Friedrich I of Wurttemberg

Schwarzenberg Coat of Arms