A fine flintlock rifle with attachable hunting hanger showing the crest of the princes of Schwarzenberg, by Leopold Becher of Carlsbad, circa 1740The burnished barrel slightly constricted in the middle with seven-groove rifled bore in 15 mm calibre. Two hooks on the right-hand side to attach the hunting hanger. Dovetailed sights, the fire-gilt folding rear sight with relief decoration. The signature "LEOPOLD BECHER" inlaid in gold on the top of the barrel, behind which two Spanish-style pseudo marks inlaid with gilt brass (Stöckel nos. 5757 and 5758). The root of the barrel, tang and muzzle with gold-inlaid scrolling bands and tendrils. The flintlock with elaborately chased motifs on a gold-inlaid background. Depiction of a hunter with hound and bagged roe buck. Single set trigger. The exquisitely carved full stock in walnut, the butt with a few, scattered wormholes. Brass engraved coat of arms of the Schwarzenberg family with lavish relief decoration. Patch box with a spring catch and sliding lid. The replaced wooden ramrod with brass tip. Length 103 cm.Also includes the associated removable hunting hanger, the single-edged blade with fullers on both sides. Raised mounting in fire-gilt brass, the guard plate with the coat of arms of the princes of Schwarzenberg in relief. Staghorn grip, two mounting loops with a blued locking mechanism on the reverse. Black leather scabbard with gilt, engraved brass mounts. Length 69 cm.Leopold Becher is documented as a gunsmith in Carlsbad from approx. 1725 to 1750. He worked for the Princes of Lobkowitz among others.Condition: I - II