19th Century Rock Rifle of the "Werder" type made by Anton Zizelmann in Nysa (Neisse) Silesia

The black weapon on display is an extremely rare and unique piece of a rock bock rifle, operated with a single lock when the barrels are twisted, a classic example of the Wender system, also known as a twist. The rifle was made by respected Silesian gunsmith Anton Zizelmann in Nysa (Neisse) at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, being an exceptional example of Silesian gunsmithing craftsmanship.
The weapon is distinguished by its high quality workmanship and unusual double barrel - one threaded with a caliber of 13.4 mm, designed for precision shooting, and the other smooth-bore with a caliber of 13 mm, allowing rapid shotgun fire. The barrels are 78 cm long and are octagonal on the outside and equipped with a musket in the discharge section. The signature of the gunsmith on the rocket lock, with a smooth breech plate, reads: "ANTON ZIZELMANN/IN NEISSE," which confirms the origin of the weapon from one of the most important centers of gunsmithing production.
The English-type flask, made of high-quality walnut wood, provides elegance and comfort. In addition, on the bed, between the barrels, is fixed the after-barrel, and the trigger-tongue guard has been elongated and shaped in a way that facilitates the grip during shooting. The entire weapon is richly decorated, with subtle metal inlays and artfully carved floral ornaments in wood.
Weapons of this type were mainly used for hunting big game, and the use of the Wender system allowed quick switching between two barrels, an extremely practical solution for hunting of that era. In the 19th century, rocket rifles gradually gave way to more modern cap-and-bolt mechanisms, making well-preserved pieces from this period extremely rare.
The featured rifle was deposited on display at the Pod Blachą Palace Museum (Royal Castle in Warsaw) from September 15, 2020 to May 13, 2024. In addition, it can be seen in the promotional video of the Royal Castle in Warsaw "Dr. Tomasz Mleczek and Dr. Mariusz Klarecki - Prince Józef Poniatowski Suite/Palace Pod Blachą", where it appears in the 2:21 minute recording https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAlm5HtkatU.
General condition of the weapon as shown in the photos.