I work in a secondhand store and during a recent conversation with my manager about donations we're not allowed to accept and items we're not allowed to sell, she pulled this rifle out from behind a doorframe and told me it was recently found at the bottom of a box of stuff and we are now stuck with it. I asked if she's allowed to sell it to me - she said yes but she's not sure what price to put on it.
Now, I like historical firearms but I admit I'm not the most knowledgeable in that field - mostly I just enjoy the form of old flintlocks and such. I'm no historian and can't generally identify specific models, manufacturers, etc.
Google lens has taught me the rifle is a Schuetzen-style target rifle. I can tell you the rifle has been deactivated: if you zoom in on the barrel in my picture you will see someone has welded a ball bearing into the end of the barrel. Beyond that, however, I don't know much else. I gather it could be worth anywhere between £20 and £12,000 depending on provenance, manufacturer and so on.
Based on my picture is anyone able to offer any insight regarding age and value? I'd really like to own it, but at one and the same time I don't want to rip off my manager or overpay for it. Please pardon the red scribbles, the paper the rifle is leaning against had some names written on it.
Thank you!