Manufactured c.1012-2013. The Karl Hauptmann firm has been in the business of building fine arms since Karl Hauptmann I founded the company around 1939. Since then the company has stayed in the family, and, now, over 80 years later, the company is in the capable hands of Karl I's grandson Gerd Hauptmann. The firm builds some genuinely spectacular pieces that are truly functional works of art, with this absolute gem of a rifle being one of the centerpieces of their portfolio, being featured as one of the exhibition rifles on their website to this day. While Hauptmann is known for their triple barrel guns, this rifle stands out amongst their stable of fine arms and is very likely the finest of its type ever built. Rifles like this do not often come up for public sale, and when they do, one must jump at the opportunity or possibly loose the only chance they will have for a very long time. For driven game hunting fast follow-up shots are a must, a rifle like this is second to none. The three barrels are faster than working a bolt and with a 50% increase in capacity over a traditional double rifle as well as a very similar weight and feel, this rifle delivers a familiar experience while improving upon nearly ever facet. This rifle would also be at home stalking plains game in Africa, with the 8x57 IRS chambering capable of taking everything up to and including eland with proper heavy bullet selection, (this rifle is regulated for RWS's 198gr ID Classic loading). The rifle was built in 2012/2013 with blued steel side by side by side barrels featuring a matted ramped beaded blade front sight with scroll engraved flat on the center barrel which has been machined flat and acts as a central "rib" along with a matted raised rear quarter rib which holds the fixed notch gold centerlined rear sight as well as housing provisions for mounting the included Swarovski Z6i 1.7-10x42mm scope held in a set of beautifully deep scroll engraved rings matching the rest of the embellishments. The barrels are adorned with a gold inlaid "KARL HAUPTMANN - FERLACH" signature on the flat of the center barrel, "8 x 57 IRS" in gold on the quarter rib, a pair of gold inlaid bands at the left and right breeches. The barrels also have an import mark under the forend, 2012 dated Ferlach proof marks, and a single extractor for all three chambers. The barrels are fitted to the brushed bright finished bolstered sidelock action which is remarkably light and narrow given the triple barrel configuration. The action is adorned with incredible deep relief carved scenes which depict the biblical seven deadly sins of pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth. The engraving consists of numerous hell spawn intertwined with fine scrolling vines and a number of pineapples (signifying gluttony) all over a darkened background which adds to the sense of depth. The fell beasts spread throughout evoke thoughts of Europe's great Renaissance, the inspiration for this piece of art. Also seen are a number of satyr masks and a pair of snakes coiled around branches along with pineapples on the underside of the action, symbolizing the Original Sin, Eve eating the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden causing the fall of man into sinfulness. The motifs continue onto the pierced toplever, the triggerguard, and both tangs, the upper of which is a highly attractive extended type, and the lower linking to the grip cap and showing the serial number inlaid in fine gold. The engraving was carried out by Austrian Master Engraver Gregor Stoegner, who unfortunately passed away in 2022, leaving behind his legacy as one of the finest deep relief engravers to ever grace the fine arms industry with his art. The rifle features bushed firing pins, bright raised rib cocking indicators on the lockplates, bright polished pins, a tang mounted manual safety with gold inlaid "S" and "F" indicators, and double triggers. The front trigger is a single set and fires the central barrel, while the rear trigger fires the right and left barrels, much like a tradition single trigger would if this were a standard double rifle. The rifle is fitted with a stunning exhibition quality figured and multi-point checkered semi-beavertail forend with matching brushed bright engraved forend iron which is engraved "SEPTEM PECCATA MORTALIA" (Seven Deadly Sins). The pistol grip stock is of the same incredible quality with tear drop carved drop points, brushed bright and thematically engraved grip cap, raised shadowline cheekpiece, engraved sling mounting point, and a black leather covered recoil pad. Included is a magnificent case worthy of this stunning rifle. The case is built to look like a large leather bound brass cornered antique tome which is "titled" "Septem Peccata Mortalia" on the front cover along with "Anno Domini/MMXIII/Karl Hauptmann" all in gold and "Septem/Peccata/Mortalia" on the spine also in gold. The interior of the case is lined with red leather and marked "KARL HAUPTMANN/JAGDWAFFEN" around the Hauptmann logo and flanked by "FERLACH" and "AUSTRIA" all in gold. The case contains a detachable leather handle, black crocodile leather sling, ebony firing pin block, three snap caps, oiler, and an ebony handled cleaning rod. The leather that the book is bound with is goat leather, as goats are often associated with sin and the devil, and the red leather lining also evokes images of hellfire and lust. Length of pull 14 15/16 inches. Weight 7 lbs. 14 oz. (without scope mounted).

Near new with minimal handling evidence and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. The engraving is crisp and pops brilliantly. Mechanically excellent. The scope optics are sharp. The case and accessories are excellent. Do not pass up this possibly once in a lifetime chance to own a true master work from one of Austria's fines makers!