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TWIGG, LONDON
A 40-BORE FLINTLOCK BOXLOCK POCKET-PISTOL, no visible serial number, circa 1800, with short tapering round 1 1/4in. barrel, square Birmingham proved central-hammer action engraved with trophies and signed 'TWIGG' on the left and 'LONDON' on the right, borderline engraved hammer, sliding safe to the top-tangs, slab-sided walnut butt and concealed automatic trigger, TOGETHER WITH a later barrel-key (2)
£150-250
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AN UNUSUAL PAKTONG 50-BORE FLINTLOCK CANNON-BARRELLED POCKET-PISTOL SIGNED 'THOMAS', no visible serial number, in the English style but possibly Continental, with triple-banded turn-off tapering cannon-muzzled 2 3/4in. paktong barrel, squared engraved central hammer paktong action with rounded breech-section marked 'PR' together with a recumbant 'S' and 'VFD', both within a starburst border in lieu of proofmarks, 'THOMAS' signed to the left hand side, iron hammer (repaired) and frizzen, walnut bag-shaped butt inlaid with silver wire scrolls and capped with a silver grotesque mask (rubbed Birmingham hallmarks) and a paktong trigger-guard bow safety
£500-700
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A .650 FLINTLOCK SERVICE-PISTOL SIGNED 'TOWER', no visible serial number, dated for 1835 and possibly produced in the colonies, with slightly tapering round 9in. iron barrel, moulded band at breech, flat-military style lock with pointed tail signed 'TOWER' and a possibly spurious 'GR' crown stamp forwards of hammer, walnut three-quarter stock with carved apron around the top-tang and a 'BO' broad arrow stamp near the heel, brass furniture and captive iron stirrup ramrod
£300-400
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BUCKMASTER, LONDON
A GOOD 16-BORE FLINTLOCK CANNON-BARRELLED PISTOL, MODEL 'QUEEN-ANNE 'FLAT-FRONT'', no visible serial number, circa 1730, with turn-off 4 3/4in. banded barrel, the breech signed around the circumference 'LONDON', London proofs and maker's mark 'IB' for Lewis Barbar, scroll engraving to the breech-end and top-tang, slightly radiused flat-fronted lock with border and scroll engraving, walnut half-stock with bag-shaped grip and bulbous pommel (broken through and repaired at wrist), engraved brass furniture including rococo escutcheon at wrist, rounded butt-cap with short tail, trigger-guard tang and bow and moulded plate to front of lock
£800-1,200
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A 22-BORE FLINTLOCK HORSE-PISTOL FOR THE OTTOMAN MARKET SIGNED 'LONDON', no visible serial number, circa 1780, with two-stage 14in. barrel banded at the intersection, the top-flat signed 'LONDON', bead fore-sight, engraved band at breech, engraved top-tang, bevel-edged European lock with stepped tail and engraved with scrolls and trophies, sliding safe behind the hammer, rainproof pan, roller-bearing to the frizzen-spring, walnut full-stock (losses to fore-end wood at muzzle), inlaid around the barrel-keys, underside of fore-end and back of wrist with silver-wire scrolls (some losses), long-eared silver-plated iron butt-cap with central brass button embossed with a crescent moon device, plated rococo escutcheon to wrist with recumbant crescent above and crossed cannon below, silver-plated trigger-guard bow and tang, silver-plated ramrod thimbles and horn tipped ramrod (plating worn and lifting in places)
£500-700
PERCUSSION WEAPONS |
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THOMAS BOSS, LONDON
A 12-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-BARRELLED SPORTING-GUN, serial no. 1143, for 1851, with damascus 30in. barrels, the top-rib signed 'THOMAS BOSS 73 ST JAMES'S STREET, LONDON' and marked for no. 2 of a pair, colour-hardened breech-blocks with platinum line and plugs (one plug drilled), silver fore-sight mounted to the tip of muzzle, sighting groove to the fully rose-scroll engraved top-tang, borderline and scroll engraved bar-action locks signed 'THOMAS BOSS', scroll engraved dolphin-headed hammers, chequered walnut half-stock with applied padded leather cheek-piece (leather renewed, tip of comb replaced), iron heel-plate, engraved iron furniture and probable original ramrod
£800-1,200
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SHARPS, USA
A SCARCE .52 CAPPING BREECH-LOADING SERVICE RIFLE, MODEL 'NEW MODEL 1863', serial no. C34176, COMPLETE WITH SABRE BAYONET, circa 1864, with blued 30in. barrel, block and blade fore-sight, elevating ladder rear-sight, the top of barrel marked 'SHARPS RIFLE MANUFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN.', the breech marked 'NEW MODEL 1863', plain receiver with vertical dropping standing breech, back-action lockplate with large external hammer, the lock marked 'R.S. LAWRENCE PAT APRIL 12th 1859' and 'C SHARPS PAT OCT 5th 1852', straight hand walnut butt-stock with semi crescent heel-plate, iron finger-lever, walnut three-quarter fore-end affixed with three iron barrel-bands and bayonet lug beneath muzzle; TOGETHER WITH a period brass hilted yataghan bladed sabre bayonet signed 'AMES MFG CO, CHICOPEE, MASS.' for the same rifle (no scabbard) (2)
£2,000-3,000
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ADAM KUCHENREUTER, REGENSBURG
A FINE 22-BORE PERCUSSION OVER-UNDER SPORTING-RIFLE, no visible serial number, circa 1850, with browned 30in. rifled barrels, the left hand rib convex, the right hand sunken with provision for ramrod (present), the top of barrel signed in silver 'ADAM KUCHENREUTER IN REGENSBURG' together with an oval silver poincon of a standing stag, bead fore-sight on a moulded ramp, dove-tailed rear-sight with additional folding leaf, white metal bands at breech, carved and engraved percussion fences and snails, screwed plugs with square sockets, borderline and scroll engraved top-tang with central 'cigar-band' rectangular escutcheon, border and scroll engraved back-action locks with moulded irregular edges and rotating hammer-block safes forwards of the hammers, figured walnut half-stock with finely chequered wrist, raised roll-edge cheek-piece, carved wood patchbox to right hand side, iron heel-plate with scroll engraved detail, moulded horn trigger-guard tang cover, scrolled trigger-guard bow, set trigger to bottom barrel, provision for sling, the whole expertly restored
£2,000-3,000
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JOHN PROBIN, LONDON
A GOOD 15-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-BARRELLED SPORTING-GUN, no visible serial number, circa 1845, with browned twist-iron 30in. barrels, the top-rib signed 'JOHN PROBIN, 115 St. MARTINS LANE, LONDON', bead fore-sight, twin engraved and twin gold bands at breech, platinum plugs, fully scroll engraved top-tang, raised fences, border, scroll and game-scene engraved bar-action locks, scroll engraved dolphin-headed hammers, chequered figured walnut half-stock with blued and engraved furniture, silver oval escutcheon to underside of butt, engraved barrel-key escutcheons and ramrod throat, brass mounted mahogany ramrod
£800-1,200
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W. & C. SCOTT & SON, LONDON
A 9-BORE PERCUSSION SINGLE-BARRELLED FOWLING-PIECE, no visible serial number, circa 1860, with triple-staged 42 1/2in. barrel banded at the intersection, border engraved breech-block, engraved top-tang, nickel plug, border and partially scroll engraved bar-action lock signed 'W. & C. SCOTT & SON. LONDON', engraved hammer, chequered walnut straight-hand half-stock, iron furniture, two barrel keys and brass mounted mahogany under-barrel ramrod
£500-700
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ROPER REPEATING RIFLE CO., USA
A RARE APPROXIMATELY 16-BORE PERCUSSION BREECH-LOADING REVOLVING SHOTGUN, serial no. 1116, circa 1868, with blued 27in. barrel, 'doughnut' shaped screw-on choke at muzzle, bead fore-sight, rounded bulbous receiver engraved with a hunter shooting wildfowl over a lake on the left and hounds chasing stags on the right, both sided with scroll engraved borders, hinged dust-cover to the top signed 'ROPER REPEATING RIFLE CO, AMHERST, MASS, PATENTED APRIL 10. 1866' opening to reveal a self-tensioning four-shot rotary magazine, large external central hammer drawing back the bolt, colour-hardened action-body with scroll engraved top and bottom tangs, walnut butt-stock with iron shotgun heel-plate, the top-spur scroll engraved, guarded trigger and smooth splinter fore-end with white-metal engraved end-caps, the whole retaining much original colour and finish
£3,000-5,000
The Roper shotgun (and rifles) used a re-usable separate auxilliary chamber that was manually loaded from the front and capped at the rear. Four of these would then be loaded in the magazine; the action of cocking the hammer withdrawing the chamber (if any) from the barrel, ejecting it and indexing the magazine to present the next chamber in sequence. Pulling the trigger allowed the hammer to drop, propelling the bolt (and hence the new chamber) forwards, loading and firing the charge within. Roper is also known in America as the 'father of the choke', as all his shotguns were equipped with a screw on choke arrangement and is generally accepted in the States to have invented choke-boring in shotgun barrels. Unfortunately none of the auxilliary chambers or any further chokes from the selection of those originally supplied have survived with this shotgun.
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SPRINGFIELD ARMORY, USAA .69 PERCUSSION SINGLE-SHOT RIFLE, MODEL '1842 RIFLED MUSKET', no visible serial number, dated for 1850 and returned to the factory for later rifling, with in the white iron 42in. barrel, solid rounded top-tang, slab-sided lockplate signed on the tail 'SPRING FIELD 1850', American eagle mark forwards of the hammer, walnut three-quarter stock stamped with a martial cartouche to the left hand cheek, iron furniture, two broad iron barrel-bands and twin-banded nose-cap with integral fore-sight and iron under-barrel ramrod
£800-1,200
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REMINGTON, USA
A SCARCE .58 PERCUSSION SINGLE-SHOT SERVICE RIFLE, MODEL '1863 ZOUAVE RIFLE', no visible serial number, dated for 1863, with blued 33in. barrel, block and blade fore-sight, twin folding leaf and single standing blade rear-sight, the top of breech stamped '1863', the side of breech marked 'STEEL' together with 'H.S.L.', plain bevel edged lockplate (traces of colour) signed 'REMINGTON'S ILION N.Y.' together with and American eagle stamp over 'U.S.', the lock tail with date, walnut three-quarter stock, the left cheek stamped with two martial cartouches, polished brass furniture including patch-box to right hand side, also containing a spare nipple, the fore-end with an iron under-barrel ramrod, much original finish remaining
£1,000-1,500
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AMERICAN MACHINE WORKS, USA
A .50 PERCUSSION CAPPING BREECH-LOADING CARBINE, MODEL 'SMITHS PATENT', serial no. 8245, circa 1864, with 21 1/2in. blued two-stage sighted barrel struck with the letters 'L.F.R.' on the left side at the breech, blued locking bar, case-hardened action signed 'MANUFACTURED BY AM'N. M'CH'N. WKS. SPRINGFIELD. MASS.', 'ADDRESS POULTNEY & TRIMBLE BALTIMORE. U.S.A.' and 'SMITH'S PATENT JUNE 23 1857', iron saddle-bar with ring, walnut half-stock with inspector's mark on the left side of the grip, brass triggered barrel release, blued trigger-guard, and much original finish throughout.
£1,000-1,500
Provenance: Bonham's sale no. 15809, Lot 279
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RICHMOND ARSENAL, AMERICA
A SCARCE .58 PERCUSSION SERVICE MUSKET, MODEL '1862 CONFEDERATE MUSKET', no visible serial number, type II and dated 1862, with round 39in. brushed bright barrel, block fore-sight acting as a bayonet lug, rear-sight with one standing notch and two folding leaves, distinctive 'hump-back' lock stamped 'C.S.' over 'RICHMOND V.A.', the tail bearing the date, walnut three-quarter stock with iron furniture, three barrel-bands, nose-cap and iron ramrod
£2,000-3,000
The distinctive lock shape is due to the machinery used in its manufacture being captured from the Harpers Ferry Arsenal where it was originally intended to produce the 1855 Rifled Musket with Maynard's tape primer attachment
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BIGELOW, ROCHESTER, N.Y.
AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE AND FINE 54-BORE & 13-BORE PERCUSSION REVOLVING COMBINATION GUN, MODEL 'J. & J. MILLER'S PAT.', no visible serial number, manufactured sometime between 1835 and 1850, with 27 1/2in. over-under barrels, the rifled 54-bore barrel above the smooth-bore 13-bore, bead fore-sight, standing notch rear-sight, the top of breech-end signed 'BIGELOW ROCHESTER N.Y.', both sides of the barrel with double-ribbed side pipes accommodating two different diameters of brass mounted wooden ramrods, fully fluted hand-indexed seven-shot cylinder with fine longitudinal ribs, each chamber straight rifled for much of its length, the shot barrel forming the cylinder axle, the heavily recessed percussion nipples probably replacing an original pill-priming system but retaining the original pill tensioning arm, squared action body with rounded top, the forward section engraved with bordered panels of checker-board engraving, border, scroll and geometrically engraved back-action lock signed 'BIGELOW', engraved top-tang and hammer (much colour to both), chequered walnut butt-stock with fully inlet border engraved iron patch-box to the right side of butt, the lid engraved with a trophy of balloons, border engraved and chequered iron heel-plate, border engraved trigger-guard bow with central American shield and raised scrolled tang, trigger-plate action under-hammer forwards of the bow operating the shot-barrel and cylinder lock forwards of the cylinder to underside of barrel, traces of finish
£10,000-15,000
William Bigelow worked for J. & J. Miller in Rochester, N.Y. until he later moved to California where he continued to make revolving arms. Also known as Billinghurst rifles, these unusual guns were originally patented by James Miller (of J. & J. Miller) in 1829. Most often encountered are plain finished rifles that can be chambered for anywhere between four and nine shots. It is widely believed that less than 25 of these combination arms were produced, and that this particular example was William Bigelow's personal arm.
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LEMILLE, LIEGE
A .69 PERCUSSION RIFLED MUSKET, serial no. 4521, Belgian, circa 1861, with brushed bright 40 1/2in. barrel, applied boat-shaped fore-sight, standing notch rear-sight, plain hump-backed lock signed 'LEMILLE A LIEGE', plain hammer, walnut three-quarter stock marked 'M.A.L.' and the serial number at heel, iron furniture, two barrel-bands and a twin-banded nose-cap, complete with iron ramrod
£500-700
Similar rifled muskets are alleged to have been supplied by Belgium to the Confederate forces during the American Civil War
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WILLIAMS & POWELL, LIVERPOOL
A 15-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-BARRELLED SPORTING GUN, serial no. 2837, circa 1870, with shortened 25 1/2in. damascus barrels (muzzles dented), the top-rib signed '25 SOUTH CASTLE STREET, LIVERPOOL', twin platinum lines to breech-end and rib-end, the rib-end further engraved with the mask of a tiger, long acanthus scroll engraved top-tang, very long bac-action locks commencing beneath the breeches and almost reaching the comb, fully border, scroll and game-scene engraved and signed in a crescent 'WILLIAMS & POWELL', figured walnut chequered half-stock, the left side of butt amateurly initialled 'S.P' with small tacks, engraved iron heel-plate with long top-spur, engraved trigger-guard and bow (worn) and replacement under-barrel ramrod
£400-600
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AN 8-BORE PERCUSSION SINGLE-BARRELLED LIVE PIGEON GUN SIGNED 'P.T. WATSON', no visible serial number, circa 1865, with round damascus 34in. barrel (some dents and other damage), moulded short sighting rib signed 'P.T. WATSON CLAYTON ST, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE' (rubbed), bead fore-sight, squared breech engraved with gamebirds to the rib-end, short scroll engraved top-tang, border and scroll engraved lock signed 'P.T. WATSON', chequered walnut half-stock with iron furniture, moulded horn fore-end tip and no provision for ramrod.
£300-500
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JOSEPH MANTON, LONDON
A RARE 16-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-BARRELLED SPORTING RIFLE, serial no. 1514, for 1801 and converted from flint, with twist-iron multi-groove 30 1/2in. barrels, gold line and platinum plugs to the breech-blocks, scroll engraved top-tang, border and scroll engraved bar-action locks signed 'JOSEPH MANTON LONDON', slab-sided engraved hammers, figured walnut half-stock chequered at the wrist, raised cheek-piece, engraved iron furniture including scrolled-grip trigger-guard tang and brass-mounted mahogany ramrod
£8,000-12,000
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P.W. PORTER, NEW-YORK
A RARE .40 CAL PERCUSSION LEVER-ACTION REVOLVING AND REPEATING RIFLE, serial no. 131, second New-York model and manufactured by G.P. Foster of Taunton Massachusetts circa 1852, with octagonal 28in. barrel, the top right-hand flat signed 'ADDRESS P.W. PORTER NEW-YORK' and 'P.W. PORTER'S PATENT 1851', off-set sights, rectangular receiver with radiused sides surrounding a vertically mounted nine-shot drum magazine, the right hand side of receiver with 'mule-ear' hammer and hinged to access drum, spring steel rotating cover concealing a 'snail' type capping device also on the right side of receiver, detachable iron 'wheel-cover' top-guard mounted to top of receiver along with a top-barrel mounted loading lever, walnut straight-hand butt-stock with iron crescent heel-plate, finger-loop cocking lever automatically indexing the drum and cocking hammer, traces of finish
£5,000-7,000
An icon of American repeating arms collecting, a number of myths have grown up around the distinctive Porter turret-rifles. The first is the urban legend that the inventor shot himself dead whilst demonstrating the mechanism to Samuel Colt. This was dreamt up by a pre World War Two auction catalogue to imply rarity and add excitement to the sale. The second is that all these arms were pill lock. This un-truth came about because the touch-holes in the drum magazine are tiny and look like they should have taken the small priming fulminate pill of the day. In fact all these rifles took conventional percussion caps, fed in turn by the side mounted spring loaded snail magazine, and once they had been fired by being crushed against the drum magazine, fell out of the bottom of the rifle via an aperture provided for this. Approximately 1250 rifles were produced across all models, a remarkable achievement considering the shooter is faced with loaded chambers most of the time! Few survive to this day however, and most are missing the detachable magazine safety guard present with the example presented here.
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COLT, USA
A .56 PERCUSSION FIVE-SHOT REVOLVING RIFLE, MODEL '1855 BRITISH SIDE-HAMMER', serial no. 11731, for 1856, with round 21in. barrel, London proofs, block fore-sight, dove-tailed rear-sight with two folding leaves, octagonal breech-section, solid frame, the top-strap sighting channel signed 'COL COLT HARTFORD CT USA', fully fluted cylinder, the side of action stamped 'COLTS PATENT NOV 24 1853', saddle ring, walnut straight-hand butt-stock with crescent heel-plate, brass trigger-guard tang and bow, hinged under-barrel rammer, the whole with much, probably original finish and traces of colour
£4,000-6,000
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JOSEPH MANTON, LONDON
A CASED 16-BORE PERCUSSION SPORTING RIFLE FOR DANGEROUS GAME, serial no. 10274, for 1834, with two-groove rifled fine twist iron heavy octagonal 29in. barrel, the top-flat signed along an inlet silver panel 'JOSEPH MANTON & SON PATENTEES' (refreshed), silver band at muzzle, silver dove-tailed bead fore-sight, rear-sight of one standing and two folding notches, re-coloured scroll engraved breech-block with further silver band, full scroll engraved top-tang, border and scroll engraved bar-action lock signed 'JOSEPH MANTON & SON PATENTEES', walnut half-stock chequered at the wrist and with clipped corner silver escutcheon inlet behind the top-tang engraved with an oak-tree above a wreath, the tree surmounted with the legend 'STAND SURE', small engraved iron patch-box to right side of butt, engraved iron furniture including trigger-guard tang with chequered pistol-grip spur, rectangular iron swivels and mushroom-headed brass mounted mahogany ramrod; TOGETHER WITH a period mahogany storage case, possibly the original, relined and re-compartmented in green baize and complete with a number of period accessories including a fluted-body copper powder flask, a tin for patches, a nipple-key, two powder measures and sundry cleaning equipment, reproduction paper label to inside of lid (missing lock)
£4,000-6,000
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AN INTERESTING 12-BORE PERCUSSION SPORTING-GUN FOR RENOVATION SIGNED HENRY PIPER, no visible serial number, first third of the 19th century, with 25 1/2in. twist-iron barrels (original length), 5/8in. wide broad flat top-rib, traces of signature, silver bead fore-sight, triple gold lines at breech, screwed plugs with scroll engraved surrounds, border and acanthus scroll engraved bar-action locks signed 'HENRY PIPER and possibly converted from an earlier ignition method, carved slab-sided scroll engraved tube-lock style hammers, (one mainspring at fault), walnut chequered pistol-grip half-stock with white metal beaked cap to the pommel, iron furniture including flat-fronted trigger-guard bow and replacement brass tipped mahogany ramrod, exposed iron surfaces corroded
£200-300
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A 12-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-BARRELLED SPORTING-GUN SIGNED 'C. MAYBURY', no visible serial number, circa 1850, with slightly shortened 31in. twist-iron barrels, the top-rib signed 'C. MAYBURY', bead fore-sight, short engraved top-tang, borderline and scroll engraved bar-action locks signed 'C. MAYBURY', walnut half-stock chequered at the wrist, iron furniture and replacement ramrod
£300-400
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JAMES WOODWARD, LONDON
A SUBSTANTIAL 8-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-RIFLE, serial no. 3436, circa 1877, with heavy fine damascus 28in. rifled barrels, the barrels signed at breech 'JAMES. WOODWARD & SONS' on the left and '64 ST JAMES'S STREET LONDON' on the right, flat finely matted top-rib with elongated bead fore-sight retained by a screw, rear-sight with two folding leaves, border and scroll engraved breech-block with platinum vents, fully borderline and rose-scroll engraved top-tang inlet with a central platinum line, border and rose-scroll engraved bar-action locks and hammers, the locks signed 'JAMES WOODWARD & SONS', sliding safes forwards of the hammer-breasts, highly figured chequered walnut pistol-gripped half-stock (old repair and inlet forwards of comb), raised moulded cheek-piece, chequered iron heel-plate, engraved trigger-guard bow and tang, ball and needle finials, plain ramrod thimbles and brass-mounted ebony ramrod, traces of colour and finish throughout
£5,000-7,000
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J. BLISSETT, LONDON
A 14-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-BARRELLED SPORTING-GUN, no visible serial number, circa 1845, with 23 1/2in. twist-iron barrels (professionally shortened in antiquity), the top-rib signed 'JOHN BLISSETT, 322 HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON', a dogs-head engraved at breech along with twin gold lines, platinum vents, acanthus scroll engraved top-tang, borderline, scroll and gamescene engraved bar-action locks signed 'JOHN BLISSETT, LONDON' (traces of colour), chequered walnut half-stock originally fitted with a leather cheek-pad, now absent, iron furniture and shortened original ramrod
£250-350
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ENFIELD
A GOOD .577 PERCUSSION SERVICE-RIFLE, MODEL '1856 PATTERN VOLUNTEER SHORT-RIFLE', no visible serial number, circa 1860, with blued 33in. barrel, block and blade fore-sight, elevating ladder rear-sight, London commercial proofs, borderline engraved lock signed 'ENFIELD' (colour faded), chequered walnut three-quarter stock with borderline engraved iron furniture including heel-plate, trigger-guard and barrel-bands, borderline engraved nose-cap and iron jag-ended under-barrel cleaning rod, bayonet lug attached to right side of muzzle, the whole retaining much original finish except where noted and generally appearing little used
£600-800
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S. JUNG, AUSTRIA
A FINE 32-BORE PERCUSSION, CONTINENTAL SILVER-MOUNTED MATCH-RIFLE, serial no. 2932, circa 1855, with etched variegated octagonal damascus 33 3/4in. heavy barrel, dove-tailed blade fore-sight, carved dove-tailed rear-sight with interchangeable blades, engraved muzzle around the bore, scroll engraved breech-block (rubbed), long scroll engraved colour-hardened top-tang with square socket for aperture sight (missing), colour-hardened scroll engraved back-action lock with an irregular border, the lock signed in gold 'S IUNG' within a banner, provision for hammer safety (missing), colour-hardened scroll engraved dolphin headed hammer, walnut full-stock with rococco bordered carved chequered panels to the wrist and fore-end, colour-hardened borderline and scroll engraved irregular-shaped iron patch-box inlaid to the right hand side of butt, the centre of lid inlaid with a gold running deer, solid silver heel-plate with scroll engraved long heel-spur, silver winged side-nail cups, silver scroll-engraved trigger-guard tang with raised scrolled semi pistol-grip, broad scroll engraved silver trigger-guard bow, double set-triggers, silver vase finial, triple white-metal oval take-down escutcheons, silver ramrod thimbles, horn schnabel fore-end tip and horn mounted wood ramrod
£1,000-1,500
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JOHN MANTON & SON, LONDON
A FINE CASED 20-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-BARRELLED SPORTING-GUN, serial no. 6006, for 1815-16 and with later conversion to percussion, twist-iron 30in. barrels, the raised top-rib signed 'DOVER STREET LONDON', engraved colour-hardened breech-blocks with engraved platinum vents, fully engraved top-tang, border and scroll engraved locks signed 'JNO. MANTON & SON, PATENT', scroll engraved slab-sided hammers, walnut half-stock chequered at the wrist, engraved iron furniture including scrolled grip trigger-guard tang, mahogany brass-mounted ramrod, the whole with much, possibly original, colour and finish; TOGETHER WITH possibly the original mahogany storage case, original parchment trade label to inside of lid, the partially relined interior altered for percussion by allowing the gun to be stored with the locks attached, the case also containing a number of period accessories including a leather shot-belt, a powder flask, cap and wad tins, a turn-screw, powder measure, cranked nipple-key and sundry cleaning items and also containing a letter detailing a past sale in 1899
£5,000-7,000
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LINDSAY, USA
A RARE, POSSIBLY UNIQUE .58 PERCUSSION RIFLED MUSKET OF TRIALS TYPE FOR SUPER-IMPOSED LOADS, no visible serial number, circa 1860, with in the white 40 3/4in. barrel, block and blade fore-sight, rear-sight of two folding leaves and one standing notch, internal action with twin central hammers operating in sequence from a single trigger, the area forwards of the hammers marked 'LINDSAY, PATENTED OCT. 9 1860', walnut three-quarter stock, the left hand cheek stamped with two martial cartouches, brushed bright iron furniture and ramrod, the whole appearing little used
£3,000-5,000
Made by Union Knife Co., Naugatuck, Connecticut for the inventor, John P. Lindsay, Lindsay arms are one of the oddities of American firearm collecting. Using a unique double chamber taking super-imposed loads, the single-trigger unit would only allow the hammers to drop in the correct sequence. Only pistols had any commercial success, and that was very limited, a military musket was also rumoured but never adopted. The military cartouche stamps on this arm would suggest otherwise, possibly proving it as a trials piece.
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WEBER, ZURICH
A FINE 12mm PERCUSSION DOUBLE PARK-RIFLE, serial no 98, circa 1860, with blued 31 1/2in. barrels, flat sighting-rib signed in gold 'WEBER RUESCHE IN ZURICH', twin gold bands both at muzzle and breech, dove-tailed silver fore-sight, elevating rear-sight, scroll engraved breech-blocks with engraved plugs, long scroll and vine engraved top-tang, irregular edged stepped scroll and vine engraved back-action locks inhabited by green-men and mythical beasts, the central parts engraved with deer in naturalistic settings, swinging safes forwards of the engraved hammers, iron en-suite patch-box to the right hand side of the figured walnut half-stock, finely chequered wrist, carved raised cheek-piece, engraved iron Swiss heel-plate, moulded horn trigger-guard cover, complex scrolled iron trigger-guard, twin set-triggers, engraved fore-end cap and white-metal mounted ebony ramrod
£1,500-2,500
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A .577 (SMOOTHBORE) PERCUSSION SERVICE MUSKET SIGNED TOWER, MODEL 'PATTERN 1853 THREE-BAND', no visible serial number, dated for 1858, with 39in. barrel (some mild pitting to the exterior), block and blade fore-sight, elevating ladder rear-sight, borderline engraved lock signed 'TOWER' together with the date and a crown over 'VR' device to the tail, walnut three-quarter stock, brass furniture, three iron barrel-bands and jag-ended iron ramrod
£600-800
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J. HART, HENLEY
A 10-BORE PERCUSSION FOWLING PIECE OF EXCEPTIONAL LENGTH, no visible serial number, circa 1825 with later conversion to percussion by drum and nipple, with twist iron 60in. barrel, bead fore-sight, short flat sighting plane at breech with inlet gold poincon signed 'I. Hart HENLEY' in raised letters, deep sighting groove to the plain top-tang, bevel-edged slightly curved lock with stepped pointed tail (traces of engraving, detail obscured), walnut half-stock chequered at the wrist, iron furniture, multiple piece under-barrel rib (detaching in places) originally with three thimbles (two detached, one missing) and iron ramrod
£800-1,200
Joseph Hart was listed in Bell Street, Henley on Thames, between 1823 till 1830
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AN 8-BORE PERCUSSION FOWLING-PIECE SIGNED 'H. TURNEY', no visible serial number, circa 1840, with 35 1/4in. triple-staged re-browned damascus barrel, the begining of the round-section engraved with a sunburst, platinum plug and line at breech, border and scroll engraved bar-action lock signed in a banner 'W. TURNEY', chequered walnut half-stock, iron furniture including pistol-grip trigger-guard tang spur and square-backed trigger-guard bow, probable replacement brass-mounted ramrod
£300-500
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F. FUNK, SUHL
AN 18-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-BARRELLED SPORTING-GUN, serial no. 9132, circa 1860, with brushed bright variegated ribbon and rose twist etched damascus 32in. barrels, the flat top-rib signed in gold 'F. AUGUST FUNK IN SUHL', bead fore-sight, inlaid white-metal detail to rib and breech-end, fully scroll and shell engraved breech-blocks and top-tang, the latter featuring a silver-gilt washed hunting dog, border and scroll engraved back-action locks with central depictions of further silver washed hunting dogs, swing safeties forwards of the scroll engraved dolphin headed hammers, walnut half-stock chequered at the wrist, raised cheek-piece, iron furniture engraved with scrolls, the trigger-guard bow with a silver washed engraving of a hunter in traditional costume, horn trigger-guard tang cover and horn tipped mahogany ramrod
£500-1,000
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HENRY NOCK, LONDON
A 16-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-BARRELLED SPORTING-GUN, no visible serial number, circa 1835, with 30in. barrels (surface corrosion), traces of signature and scroll engraving at breech, twin gold lines, carved percussion fences with engraved plugs, scroll engraved long top-tang, border and game-scene engraved back-action locks signed in script 'H. NOCK', scroll engraved dolphin-headed hammers, walnut half-stock chequered at the wrist, iron furniture including a flat-fronted trigger-guard bow and brass tipped mahogany ramrod
£300-500
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JOSEPH MANTON, LONDON
A CASED 16-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-BARRELLED SPORTING-GUN, serial no. 1859, for 1802, converted to percussion circa 1845, with twist-iron 31in. barrels, the top-rib signed 'JOSEPH MANTON LONDON', no provision for fore-sight, scroll engraving to rib-end and engraved band to breech, platinum plugs, engraved top-tang with sighting groove, slightly curved bevel-edged step-tailed locks engraved with trophies and signed 'JOSEPH MANTON, LONDON', walnut half-stock chequered at the wrist, re-blued iron furniture and brass-mounted ebony ramrod, the whole restored; TOGETHER WITH its possible original mahogany storage case, re-lined and re-compartmented in green baize (original parchment trade-label re-attached) and containing a powder and a shot flask along with a period one-piece cleaning rod
£1,500-2,500
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JOHN MANTON & SON, LONDON
A 15-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-BARRELLED SPORTING-GUN, serial no. 9869, for 1829, with browned twist-iron 32in. barrels, the top-rib signed in script 'JOHN MANTON AND SON DOVER STREET' (rubbed), bead fore-sight, ribbon and acanthus leaf engraving to the rib-end and breech-block, platinum vented plugs, the breech-block drilled through the hooks to accept the side-nail, colour-hardened bar-action locks retaining a portion of the percussion fences with borderline and acanthus leaf engraving and signed 'JNO. MANTON & SON PATENT', slab-sided borderline and acanthus leaf engraved dolphin headed hammers, birdseye maple half-stock (numbered to the gun), chequered at the wrist with rectangular silver escutcheon behind the top-tang, iron furniture (traces of finish) and under-barrel brass mounted mahogany ramrod
£1,500-2,000
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A 6-BORE PERCUSSION SINGLE-BARRELLED FOWLING-PIECE, THE BARREL SIGNED 'LONDON', no visible serial number, circa 1860, possibly re-using an earlier barrel, with twist iron triple-staged 48in. barrel banded at the intersection and with a white-metal inlay of a hunter with his dog flushing game-birds along with the signature 'LONDON' on the top-flat, white-metal 'arrow' inlaid to the muzzle (fore-sight absent), twin gold and platinum lines to the acanthus leaf engraved breech-block, similarly engraved top-tang (hand-nail replaced), border and acanthus leaf engraved back-action lock and hammer, walnut half-stock chequered at the wrist with white-metal cap-trap to the underside of stock, iron long-spurred heel-plate and pistol-gripped trigger-guard tang, white metal floral escutcheons to the twin barrel-keys, iron under-rib (loose) and associated ramrod
£400-600
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AN 8-BORE PERCUSSION SINGLE-BARRELLED FOWLING-PIECE, UNSIGNED, no visible serial number, circa 1860, with 44in. triple-staged barrel, squared breech-block with scroll engraving, border and scroll engraved bar-action lock, scroll engraved hammer, walnut half-stock chequered at the wrist (last 3in. of butt replaced with wood extension), iron furniture and white-metal fore-end cap (under-rib loose, ramrod replaced)
£500-700
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A 20-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-BARRELLED SPORTING RIFLE, UNSIGNED, no visible serial number, French circa 1850, with 34 1/2in. blued sighted barrels with matt rib and gold-inlaid foliage at the breeches, sighting groove to the matted top-tang, scroll engraved barrel-bolsters, locks and hammers, figured walnut half-stock with chequered grip, engraved iron mounts including scrolled trigger-guard, sling mounts, and iron-tipped ramrod.
£1,000-1,500
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ST KIRCHNER, SUHL
A 20-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-BARRELLED CAPE-RIFLE, no visible serial number, probably converted from flintlock circa 1830, with octagonal profiled rifled and smoothbore barrel group, the left-hand top-flat signed in silver script 'ST. KIRCHNER', the right 'IN SUHL', the top-rib 'CANONSTORDUES' (barrels 'twisted'), dove-tailed blade fore-sight and standing notch rear-sight, foliage engraved broad top-tang, flat lockplates signed in silver script and border engraved with foliate accents, hammers engraved with avian heads and serpents to the breasts, walnut half-stock with chequered panels carved around the borders with foliate detail, raised cheek-piece, white-metal heel-plate, sliding wooden lidded patch-box, white metal shield inlaid at wrist with central ivory bead, the fore-end tip carved as a fox's head with inlet glass eyes, moulded and carved horn trigger-guard bow and tang, white metal ramrod thimbles and possible associated ramrod (inlet repairs forwards of locks, cracked and repaired at wrist)
£600-800
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* V. CHR. SCHILLING, SUHL
A 25-BORE PERCUSSION RIFLE & SHOTGUN COMBINATION GUN, serial no. 9943, circa 1860, with re-browned twist iron 31 in. barrels, the top-rib signed in gold 'V. CHR. SCHILLING IN SUHL', white metal dove-tailed fore-sight, standing notch rear-sight, gold line and engraving at breech, engraved long top-tang, borderline, acanthus scroll and gamescene engraved back action locks, blued scroll engraved hammers with engraved swinging safes to the front, walnut half-stock chequered at the wrist, polished patchbox to right side of butt engraved with a borderline, scrolls and a standing stag, raised cheek-piece with a deeply carved panel of scrolls behind, iron heel-plate with serial number, moulded horn trigger-guard bow and tang, engraved iron ramrod throat and replacement wood ramrod
Please note VAT at 5% is applicable on the hammer price.
£2,000-3,000
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* A.W. EDEL, LEIPZIG
A 10-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-BARRELLED FOWLING-PIECE, no visible serial number, circa 1860, with browned ribbon-twist 34 1/2 in. barrels, the top-rib in rose damascus and signed in gold 'A.W. EDEL IN LEIPZIG', bead fore-sight, silver lines and engraving at breech, engraved long top-tang, borderline and game scene engraved back action locks (traces of gilding), scroll engraved hammers with swinging safes to the front, walnut half-stock carved with scrolls at the wrist running into a mask at the pommel, raised cheek-piece with a deeply carved panel of scrolls behind, engraved iron heel-plate and trigger-guard, moulded horn trigger-guard tang cover, engraved iron ramrod throat and replacement wood ramrod
Please note VAT at 5% is applicable on the hammer price.
£1,500-2,000
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AN 8-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-BARRELLED DUCK-GUN SIGNED 'I. HOLLIS & SONS', no visible serial number, circa 1850, with 32in. twist-iron unsigned barrels (cleaned), bead fore-sight, white-metal vents, borderline and scroll engraved top-tang, bar-action border and scroll engraved locks signed 'I. HOLLIS & SONS MAKERS', chequered walnut half-stock (chequering worn smooth), iron furniture and period mahogany ramrod
£800-1,200
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TALABERT VAMOTTE A ST. ETIENNEA 22-BORE PERCUSSION SILVER-MOUNTED DOUBLE-BARRELLED SPORTING GUN, no visible serial number, French, possibly converted from flintlock circa 1835, with 35 3/4in. sighted barrels, grooved tang engraved with rococo ornament, border engraved locks respectively signed 'TALABERT VAMOTTE' and 'A ST. ETIENNE', figured walnut half-stock (cheek-piece inserted, fore-end repaired) carved in relief with a dragon's head behind the grip, chequered grip and fore-end, silver mounts including hallmarked trigger-guard with foliate finial, sling eyes, and period ramrod (cleaned bright, some pitting).
£300-500
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JAMES PURDEY, LONDON
A FINE CASED 14-BORE PERCUSSION SPORTING-GUN, serial no. 2667, for 1834, with browned 30in. barrels, the top-rib signed 'J. PURDEY 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET LONDON', engraved acanthus leaves to the rib-end, single platinum line interrupted by the rib at breech together with platinum vents, engraved top-tang, borderline and scroll engraved bar-action locks signed 'PURDEY' with external half-cock hammer safes marked 'SAFETY' with 'PATENT' beneath the axis, scroll engraved slab-sided dolphin headed hammers, figured walnut half-stock with chequered wrist, clipped corner silver rectangular escutcheon behind the top-tang, engraved iron furniture (rubbed, trigger-guard re-numbered) and brass mounted mahogany ramrod; TOGETHER WITH a period mahogany case (lock missing), re-lined in antiquity with green baize, later original 'Purdey' & Sons' trade-label and containing a leather shot bandolier, a cleaning rod and a wad-punch
£4,500-5,500
According to records quoted by L. Patrick Unsworth in his book 'The Early Purdeys', this shotgun was one of a pair leaving the factory on the 26th September 1834 and quoted as being 15-bore. The case is also described as having 'number 4960', although this is no longer present
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JAMES PURDEY, LONDON
A FINE CASED 16-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-BARRELLED SPORTING-RIFLE, serial no. 4418, for 1849/50, with multi-groove rifled browned 29in. damascus barrels, the top-rib signed 'J. PURDEY 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET LONDON', long bead fore-sight, standing notch rear-sight with additional folding leaf, engraved acanthus leaves to the rib-end, single platinum line interrupted by the rib at breech together with two engraved bands and platinum vents, fully engraved top-tang, border and scroll engraved bar-action locks signed 'PURDEY', sliding safes forwards of the hammers, scroll engraved slab-sided dolphin headed hammers, figured chequered walnut half-stock, raised cheek-piece, engraved iron patch-box to right hand side of butt, engraved and chequered iron heel-plate, iron trigger-guard bow with chequered tang spur and brass mounted mahogany ramrod; TOGETHER WITH its original oak case, lined in burgundy baize, original 'Purdey' & Sons' trade-label and containing a copper bag-shaped powder flask, a patch-box, a period cap-tin, nipple-key, spring-clamp, cleaning rod with sundry cleaning implements, a ball-mould and a later sling
£7,000-9,000
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COLT FOR C. NEPHEW, CALCUTTA
A SCARCE FACTORY ENGRAVED .44 PERCUSSION SIX-SHOT REVOLVER, MODEL 'DRAGOON, 3RD MODEL', serial no. 12400, for 1852, with round 7 1/2in. barrel, squared slab-sided breech, the top signed 'ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY' within an engraved border, the sides of breech fully covered in borders and American scrolls, similarly engraved open-frame signed in a banner 'COLTS PATENT', plain cylinder with roll-engraved scene of Texas Rangers engaging Indians and also marked 'MODEL U.S.M.R.', engraved hammer-sides, silver plated scroll engraved brass grip-straps, the backstrap with central cartouche engraved 'CHARLES NEPHEW & CO, CALCUTTA', smooth figured walnut one-piece grip and under-barrel rammer with engraved hinge, no finish except the silver plated parts of which much plating remains
£7,000-9,000
The engraving on this revolver has been attributed to Gustav Young.
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