A deluxe flintlock rifle by Johann Andreas Kuchenreuter, Steinweg near Regensburg, circa 1780Blued two-stage barrel, octagonal then round, with smooth bore in 15.5 mm calibre. Silver spider front sight surrounded by silver band inlays. At the top of the barrel signature "Ioh. And. Kuchenreuter An Regensburg" inlaid in silver and surrounded by rich ornamental bands. Brass-lined mark with horseman and "ICK". Tang with finely chiselled rocailles on gold base. Lock plate chiselled with a raised hunting scene, depicting a stag hunted by hounds. The base plated with finely chased sheet gold. The lock side plate decorated with a slain stag, hounds, and a huntsman. Walnut half stock decorated with carved tendrils in relief and bone chip inlays. On the underside of the butt a small brass-lidded tool compartment. Brass furniture decorated with a relief of finely chased hunting scenes. The thumb plate with engraved monogram "J II" surmounted by a crown. Original wooden ramrod with brass tip. Length 134.5 cm.Johann Andreas Kuchenreuter (1716-95), gunsmith to the court of the Princes of Thurn und Taxis, operating in Steinweg near Regensburg.Condition: I - II