Ornate Schuetzen Rifle - 1870 22 cal (with a full octagan barrel) German "castle" gun

This is one different kind of "critter".  It is a .22 cal (or very close to it) with well patina'd heavy octagon barrel, lots of engraving and silver inlays.  Carved cheek rest.  Deep cut shoulder mount/ stock butt .. rest.

Why the heavy barrel is anyone's guess ... but this is so interesting!  The 1870 date came from the auction site (Turman) but no other history or description.  Have seen another falling block Schutzen style. with the 1870 date ... but again, no verification.

The inscription on the top of the barrel, in a very deep script, is not something I have been able to accurately translate. I'm "guessing" that the last word translates to Munich .... but I could be wrong.

Beautifully engraved stock and forearm.  Diopter rear sight.  Front barrel sight.

The action on this is so amazing; you pull down on the trigger guard, same as on most carbines, and on the underside of the barrel, about half way down, it opens to load.  I have not tried to load it; THIS IS SOLD AS A NON FUNCTIONAL PIECE.

One unrepaired crack under the rear diopter sight.  Still tight wood, but visable in a couple of the pictures

I have never seen one even close to like this; neither has the collective wealth of historical gun knowledge from the Amarillo Pioneer Gun Collectors.  My good friend and shooting buddy, Jim G, took it there  ... and they were stumped.  I am sure this is not a "one of a kind" .... but where the others are is a pure mystery. 

It is a beautiful piece of weaponry history ... and as unique as you can find.