Lot 3244

Inlaid, Engraved & Carved Louis Malherbe Double Barrel Shotgun

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Inlaid, Engraved & Carved Louis Malherbe Double Barrel Shotgun

Estimate: $4,500 - $6,500

Starting Bid: $4,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Gold and Silver Inlaid, Panel Scene Engraved, and Relief Carved Louis Malherbe Percussion Double Barrel Shotgun with Case and Accessories Louis Malherbe was active in Liege c. 1840s to 1870s and produced both military arms and deluxe sporting guns like this one. This fine shotgun features smoothbore Damascus barrels with "Damas Extrafins" gold inlaid on the concaved rib surrounded by gold and silver inlaid scrolls, additional gold and silver inlays at the muzzle and breech, a bead front sight, and Liege proofs. "LOUIS MALHERBE" is signed in gold inlay behind the right hammer, and "A LIEGE" is inlaid in gold behind the left hammer. The hammers feature sculpted lion masks and relief engraved grape vine patterns, and coordinating motifs are seen on the locks and German silver mounts. The upper tang features a spaniel with a small bird. A scene with a hunter and his dog taking birds is featured on the left lock, and a scene of the hunter seated with his dog after the successful hunt is on the right lock. A wolf motif is featured on the small cap box on the left side of the buttstock. The stock featured ornate carving, including a highly detailed mask of a bearded man with a laurel crown and inlaid bead eyes on the bottom of the butt, scrolling designs terminating around the cap box one the left and a carved bird on the right, and a German silver buttplate inscribed "CESARE TAGLIASACCHI". The specific Cesare Tagliasacchi that owned this shotgun is not documented, but there was a military officer by the name who was an inspector and military sub-intendant in Northern Italy in the mid-19th century. The gun comes in a closely fit hardwood case with a powder flask, shot pouch, bullet mold marked "5" on each arm, and a screwdriver.

Manufacturer: Belgium

Model: Percussion Double Barrel

BBL: 28 3/4 inch solid rib

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 20

Finish: gold/silver/brown/French gray/German silver

Serial NumberNSN

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Fine with bright gold inlays, dark aged patina on the silver inlays, light aged patina on the German silver mounts, crisp engraving and designs throughout, gray and brown patina on the locks and barrels, light oxidation, and minor overall wear. The stock is very fine with crisp carving, nearly all of the high polish finish remaining, minor dings and scratches, and otherwise minimal wear. The locks will release from half-cock but otherwise function excellently. The case and accessories are very good with mild age and storage related wear, a detached lever on the flask, an absent pull from the lidded compartment, and a water stain. This is certainly a very elaborate and attractive mid-19th century shotgun.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000