Multiple rifles in this same basic fashion from the mid-19th century are known signed by Johann Daniel Moritz and his son of the same name (signed "I.D. Moritz Sohn," sohn meaning son in German). They come from a long line of gunmakers. The barrel is signed "I. D. MORITZ SOHN, IN LEIPZIG." in gold inlay accented by gold and silver inlaid borders and designs and has "ENGL:GUSS STAHL" inlaid in gold across the upper flats at the breech, blade and notch sights, floral pattern on the muzzle face, and a scroll engraved double bolster patent breech with dragon/sea serpent style bolsters. The lock has a wolf/dog motif on the hammer with gold accented eyes and a pierced scroll design on the rear, entwining scroll engraving, a relief chiseled panel scene of a stag pursued by a dog in a wooded scene, and scroll engraving on the pierced internal bridle. Coordinating scroll patterns and highly detailed panel scenes are engraved on the furniture. The side plate on the left has three stags in a wooded scene. The upper tang has a peep sight and a pair of deer in a wooded scene. The patch box has a scene of three deer in the woods. The other furniture is mostly German silver and also includes primarily scroll pattern engraving along with some acorn and mask elements. The scrolling trigger guard has a gold and silver scene of a hunter with a rifle leaning against a tree on the bow and encloses adjustable double set triggers. The rifle has the traditional sling swivel fitted on the forend and a sling stud on the bottom of the butt. The stock has elaborate relief carved acanthus scroll patterns inhabited by a squirrel and bird on the right side of the butt and a highly detailed raised relief carved woodland hunting scene of a hunter standing over a fallen stag blowing his hunting horn while his dog sits nearby. The buttplate has "No. 872" at the toe.

Fine with half of the original brown finish on the barrel, bright original gold, natural aged patina on the other inlays, mix of brown and silver-gray patina on the lock and patch box, light aged patina on the German silver furniture, and general minor wear. The stock is good with light wear on some of the carving, some cracking mainly in the forend, minor scratches and pressure marks, and most of the glossy varnished finish. The lock hangs up on the half-cock notch; otherwise, the lock and set triggers are mechanically fine.