Interesting point and understood. I guess one would also have to factor in available hunting grounds. True, it is somewhat of a stretch/exaggeration with the hound handler but take the 1/2 that could afford a bespoke sporting weapon. Very few were in the actual possession of the emperor or king. I would think that the empire would have put a sporting weapon on their tab if they saw fit for someone with the umbrella and also I'm sure friends of the emperor or king received similar gifts. So it is possible that it might be a sporting weapon ordered by someone within a royal court. But I contend that many, even some with gold inlay, with the inscription Magyar Királyi Udvari, Császári Es Királyi Udvari Puskamüves, k.u.k., etc. were advertising and just fluff. And the noted gunsmith wasn't under the direct employment of the court and wasn't in the castle hammering sporting weapons out one at a time. He was a subcontractor at best.
Kind Regards,
Raimey
rse
