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"MAJOR LESSONS OF SECOND WAR", DEMPSEY'S LECTURE TO THE IMPERIAL DEFENCE COLLEGE, marked 'SECRET' with a list of recipients, these are Dempsey's original typed and hand-written notes for a lecture he was asked to give the Imperial Defence College on how Britain and her allies could learn from tactics in W.W.2 and bring them to bear in any future war, together with a letter from Dempsey to General Sir Frank Simpson of the I.D.C. agreeing to give the lecture but wanting it noted that it would be his last, the whole contained within a board file with notes and annotations throughout
£200-300
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A LETTER FROM EISENHOWER TO DEMPSEY, DATED 5th JUNE 1964, written on his personal headed paper, it begins, "Dear Bimbo, On this sixth (sic) of June I suspect that your memory goes back, as mine does, to live over again the gnawing anxieties, the realization of unavoidable sacrifices, and the bright hopes that filled us on D-Day, 1944. (para) Never, during the two decades that have since passed, have I ceased to render daily and devout thanks to a kindly Providence for permitting us to achieve in eleven months the complete victory that so many believed would require years." He ends saying, "But no historian could possibly be aware of the depth of my obligation to you. With warm regard, as ever D.D.E."
£800-1,200
OBSOLETE CALIBRE |
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THOMAS TURNER
A 10-BORE (2 5/8IN.) ROTARY-UNDERLEVER DOUBLE-BARRELLED HAMMERGUN, serial no. 4576, 31 3/4in. nitro reproved bold damascus barrels, broad rib engraved 'THOMAS TURNER. 19 BROOK STREET. BOND STREET. LONDON', 2 5/8in. chambers, bored approx. 1/2 choke in both, pits to right barrel, treble-grip action with Scott trade mark, carved percussion fences, border engraving, retaining some renewed colour-hardening and finish, 14in. stock including 3/4in. rubber recoil pad, weight 8lb. 13oz.
£1,000-1,500
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WILLIAM EVANS
A .297/.250 SINGLE-BARRELLED TOPLEVER ROOK-RIFLE, serial no. 9860, 26in. octagonal barrel, the top-flat partially file-cut and engraved 'WILLIAM EVANS. (FROM PURDEYS), 63 PALL MALL. ST. JAMES'S. LONDON.', sighted barrel, the breech end fitted with a base for a scope rail, removable striker disc, automatic safety with gold-inlaid 'SAFE' detail, border and acanthus scroll engraving, retaining some original colour-hardening and finish, 14 3/4in. pistolgrip stock with cheekpiece, engraved steel pistolgrip-cap and including buttplate, in a leather leg of mutton case
£1,000-1,500
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JOHN RIGBY & CO.
A .500 / .450 NO.1 EXPRESS (2 3/4IN.) BLACK POWDER EXPRESS ROTARY-UNDERLEVER DOUBLE-BARRELLED HAMMER RIFLE, serial no. 14150, 25 7/8in. black powder only barrels, raised matt rib engraved in gothic script 'JOHN RIGBY & CO. DUBLIN & LONDON', open sights and folding leaf sight, bead fore-sight, Jones patent rotary-underlever, carved percussion fences, non-rebounding back-action locks with bolted hammers, best fine border and acanthus scroll engraving, retaining some colour-hardening, 14 1/2in. well-figured pistolgrip stock with horn pistolgrip-cap, engraved steel sling button and chequered steel buttplate, fore-end with grip catch release lever, weight 8lb. 14oz.
£4,000-6,000
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WESTLEY RICHARDS
A 10-BORE (2 7/8IN.) 1864 PATENT SINGLE-BITE SNAP-ACTION TOPLEVER BAR-IN-WOOD HAMMERGUN, serial no. 11321, converted to centre-fire from pinfire, 30in. reproved bold damascus barrels, rib engraved 'PATENT. WESTLEY RICHARDS. 170. NEW BOND ST. LONDON.', the breech ends with acanthus scroll detailing and plugged pinfire apertures, 2 7/8in. chambers, bored approx. true cyl. in both, incorporating Westley Richards improved single-bite toplever snap-action, patent no. 2623 of 22nd October 1864, use number partially lost to striker bar inserts, fluted fences, toplever with cutout for right hammer (later modification), non-rebounding sidelocks with replacement hammers, bar-in-wood, the fore-end (with repairs) and sculpted horn finial meeting at the knuckle in a crab joint, bold acanthus scroll engraving, the triggerguard with a pointer,14 3/8in. well-figured stock including steel buttplate, weight 6lb. 14oz.,
£1,500-2,500
Provenance: The gun dates to circa 1866
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ALEXr. HENRY
A FINE .450 (3 1/4IN.) BLACK POWDER EXPRESS BOXLOCK EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE, serial no. 6808, 28in. black powder only fine damascus barrels with Henry rifling, partially matted raised rib engraved 'ALEXr. HENRY. EDINBURGH AND LONDON. MAKER TO THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESS' THE PRINCE OF WALES AND DUKE OF EDINBURGH', open sights with folding leaf sight, inlaid sight lines and marked up to 200 yards, bead fore-sight with flip-up moonsight, treble-grip action with removable striker discs, finely carved leaf fences, intercepting sears, automatic safety with blue enamelled 'SAFE' detail, the action and furniture profusely engraved with flowing grape and vine designs on a matted background, retaining much original colour-hardening and finish, 14 1/4in. well-figured pistolgrip stock with cheekpiece, engraved and colour-hardened steel pistolgrip-cap (with trap), sling swivels, large white metal shield shaped escutcheon (blank) and including 7/8in. rubber recoil pad, bolstered fore-end with finely engraved grip-catch release lever, weight 8lb. 3oz.
£3,000-5,000
Provenance: The makers have kindly confirmed that the rifle was completed as a 'Best .450' on the 21st March 1894, for Brookes Brothers (exporters)
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ALEXr. HENRY
A .500 (3IN.) BLACK POWDER EXPRESS 1882 PATENT ROTARY-UNDERLEVER SIDELOCK NON-EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE, serial no. 5554, 28in. black powder only barrels with Henry rifling, broad matt rib, fully scroll engraved folding leaf sights with sight lines and marked up to 200 yards, bead foresight, the breech end mounted with a brass and damascus telescopic sight, tubes engraved 'ALEXR. HENRY. EDINBURGH AND LONDON. MAKER TO THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESS' THE PRINCE OF WALES AND DUKE OF EDINBURGH', rotary-underlever, Henry patent action, patent no. 5273 of 1882, standing breech with an oval engraved 'HENRY'S PATENT NO.55', automatic safety with brass 'SAFE' plaque, back-action lockplates with external cocking indicator levers, gold-inlaid 'cocked.' details, best fine acanthus scroll engraving, retaining some colour-hardening, 14 3/8in. figured pistolgrip stock with cheekpiece, engraved pistolgrip-cap (with trap), sling eyes and steel heel and toe plates, grip fore-end release catch, weight 10lb. 12oz., in its partially relined brass-cornered oak and leather case (exterior damage) with accessories and reloading equipment
£4,000-6,000
Provenance: The makers have kindly confirmed that the rifle was completed as a 'Best .500' . No date is written but it is likely to be 1883. No customers name is listed
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* AN 11.15x36R (WERNDL) BOLT-ACTION SINGLE-SHOT SPORTING RIFLE, UNSIGNED, serial no. 18398, circa 1885 and possibly by Steyr, with two-stage 27 1/2in. barrel, micro-adjustable fore-sight, rail-mounted elevating blade rear-sight with butterfly locking bolt, round section receiver inlaid with silver wire borders and scrolls (losses to inlay), straight bolt-handle, push-down locking safe, long top-tang fitted with a triangular socket for peep-sight (missing), walnut half-pistol half-stock chequered at the grip, iron heel-plate, iron trigger-guard bow and tang inlet with silver wire borders and scrolls (losses), double-set triggers, iron swivels and replacement iron under-barrel clearing rod.
Please note VAT at 5% is applicable on the hammer price.
£300-500
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A 11mm (MAUSER) BOLT-ACTION SINGLE-SHOT CARBINE SIGNED 'OESTERREICH WAFFENFABRIK', MODEL 'MAUSER M71', serial no. 3653B, dated for 1876, and an Austrian produced licenced copy, with 20in. barrel, blade fore-sight integral with the nose-cap, two fore-sight protectors, elevating ladder rear-sight, the nocksform stamped 'OESTERR. WAFFFB. GES', octagonal receiver with further dare-stamp of '1877', matching number bolt with turned-down handle, flag safe to rear, walnut straight-hand full-stock with iron furniture, the heel-plate marked on the face '16 D 414G', fitted with a later webbing sling
£400-600
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J. KERR, LONDON
A GOOD .577 (SNIDER) SINGLE-SHOT BREECH-LOADING RIFLE, MODEL 'MKIII SNIDER 3-BAND VOLUNTEER', no visible serial number, circa 1865, with blued 36 1/2in. barrel marked 'STEEL', block and blade fore-sight, elevating ladder rear-sight, colour hardened receiver and flip-open breech-block with locking catch (traces only of colour), the top of breech-block marked 'L.A.C', together with the number '3', 'SNIDER'S PATENT' and 'LONDON ARMOURY', plain colour hardened military style lock signed 'JAS KERR & CO, 54 KING WILLIAM ST E.C.' in an oval with 'L.A.C.' above and a 'V.R.' crown cypher to the tail, chequered walnut three-quarter stock with 'Kerr' stamp to butt (burn mark to fore-end), brass furniture, three iron barrel-bands and replacement iron clearing-rod
£400-600
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STRONG ARMS, USA
A SCARCE .32-35 (STEVENS) & 10-BORE SINGLE-SHOT SPORTING GUN WITH INTERCHANGEABLE BARRELS, serial no. 1494, built to 'A Dickerman's Patent of 1885', with heavy two-stage 26in. blued barrel, the top-flat signed 'M.F.D. BY THE STRONG FIRE ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN.', dove-tailed beaded-blade fore-sight, no provision on the barrel for rear-sight, off-set top-lever colour-hardened scroll engraved box-lock action, both action sides with the patent details engraved within a banner, the right rear of receiver engraved with a 'W.S.I' monogram, the opposite side with an inter-twined '86', the top-tang fitted with a ladder peep-sight, figured half-pistol American walnut butt-stock, chequered hard rubber heel-plate, engraved trigger-guard bow with sliding safe forwards of the trigger-blade, chequered walnut fore-end with push-rod release, the whole retaining much colour and finish; TOGETHER WITH a fine damascus round 30in. 10-bore barrel for the same action, matching number and signed in an identical fashion
£900-1,200
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ALEXR. HENRY
A .450 (3 1/4IN.) BLACK POWDER EXPRESS ROTARY-UNDERLEVER DOUBLE HAMMER RIFLE, serial no. 1559, 27 7/8in. black powder only bold damascus barrels, partially matted raised rib with open sights and two folding leaf sights, rib central section engraved 'ALEXR HENRY 12 SOUTH ST. ANDREWS ST. EDINBURGH. PATENT NO. 908 AND 113', Jones patent rotary underlever, carved serpentine fences with starburst engraving, top tang with folding adjustable peep sight, non-rebounding back-action locks with bolted hammers with starburst engraved noses, triggerguard tang with skeletal steel pistolgrip, fine border and acanthus scroll engraving, retaining very slight traces of original finish, 14 3/8in. figured stock with engraved steel heel and toe plates, sling eyes and oval gold escutcheon with the Hope-Vere crest and motto and the initials 'W.E.H.V'.
£1,500-2,000
Provenance: The makers have kindly confirmed that the rifle was completed as a 'Best .451 for Hope Vere Esq.', no date is recorded. W.E.H.V. is most likely to relate to William Edward Hope-Vere, born on 5th March 1824 and died on 25th November 1916. An officer in the Grenadier Guards, Brigadier General of the Royal Company of Archers and Justice of the Peace, he lived at the family residence, Craigiehall (now the current Headquarters of the British Army in Scotland).
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SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE CO, USA
A .52 (RIMFIRE) LEVER-ACTION REPEATING CARBINE, MODEL '1863', serial no. 102707, circa 1865, with blued round 20in. barrel, block and blade fore-sight and folding ladder rear-sight, plain receiver with under-lever opening, the top of receiver stamped 'SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE CO, BOSTON, MASS. PAT'D MARCH 6 1860' together with the date '1863', 'Stabler' cut-off, back-action sidelock with external hammer, saddle-ring and bar to left hand side, walnut straight-hand butt-stock with magazine tube concealed in the iron heel-plate, walnut splinter fore-end and iron barrel-band with swivel, mottled staining with some external pitting to metalwork
£800-1,000
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NEWHAVEN ARMS CO.
A RARE .41 (INTERNALLY CHARGED) LEVER-ACTION REPEATING CARBINE, MODEL 'VOLCANIC', no visible serial number, for between 1857-60, with octagonal 16 1/2in. barrel with integral magazine tube below, applied nickel blade fore-sight, the top-flat with traces of 'NEWHAVEN ARMS CO CONN, PATENT FEB 14 1854' near the breech, slab-sided brass receiver with elevating rear-sight dove-tailed to the top-flat, external central hammer, plain walnut butt-stock with brass crescent heel-plate, iron finger-lever and brass magazine tube slider, the whole with traces of an older re-finish
£10,000-15,000
The Volcanic could be termed the father of the self-contained caseless cartridge. Unfortunately like a lot of good ideas, it was probably at least 100 years too early. Using a hollow bullet filled with black powder and capped off with a paper endplate with fulminate of mercury applied internally, the 'firing pin' crushed the compound on firing, igniting the charge within. Subsequent erosion and corrosion around the breech area caused by the acidic priming compound soon led to the guns being very unpleasant to fire; this coupled with a production of only around 6200 arms of all types (3200 with the Newhaven address), make the Volcanic a rare piece indeed.
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T. TURNER, BIRMINGHAM
A .577 (SNIDER) SINGLE-SHOT BREECH-LOADING SERVICE-RIFLE, MODEL 'MKIII THREE-BAND', no visible serial number, circa 1870, with 36 1/2in. blued barrel signed 'T. TURNER', block and blade fore-sight, ladder rear-sight, flip-open breech-block marked 'SNIDER'S PATENT' with sprung locking catch, plain military-style lock signed 'THOMAS TURNER, FISHER STREET, BIRMINGHAM, walnut three-quarter stock, brass furniture, three iron barrel-bands and jag-ended clearing rod under the barrel, much finish remaining
£800-1,000
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WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS
A FINE .40-60 (WIN) LEVER-ACTION REPEATING RIFLE, MODEL '1876 DELUXE SPORTING RIFLE', serial no. 51083, for 1884, with blued 28in. octagonal barrel, the top-flat signed 'WINCHESTER'S REPEATING ARMS, NEW HAVEN CT.' over 'KINGS IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29 1866, OCTOBER 16 1860', dove-tailed blade fore-sight, elevating ladder rear-sight, blued slab-sided receiver with sliding dust-cover, central hammer, the top-tang marked 'MODEL 1876', straight hand walnut '3x' grade un-chequered butt-stock with iron crescent heel-plate and central trap-door (some drying 'shakes' present), colour-hardened finger lever (colour present but faded), smooth walnut '3x' grade fore-end, blued full length magazine tube, the whole retaining most of its original blued finish
£4,000-6,000
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ENFIELD
A .577 (SNIDER) SINGLE-SHOT BREECH-LOADING SERVICE-RIFLE, MODEL 'MKIII THREE-BAND', no visible serial number, dated for 1871, with 36 1/2in. blued barrel, block and blade fore-sight, ladder rear-sight, flip-open breech-block marked 'WD' with a broad arrow, sprung locking catch, plain military-style lock signed 'ENFIELD' together with the date and a 'VR' crown device at tail, chained firing-pin protector, walnut three-quarter stock, the butt with 'ENFIELD' circular stamp, brass furniture, three iron barrel-bands and jag-ended clearing rod under the barrel, much finish and colour remaining
£800-1,000
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* HOLLAND & HOLLAND
A FINE 10-BORE (2 7/8IN.) 'ROYAL' SIDELOCK EJECTOR, serial no. 23368, 31in. nitro barrels with broad raised rib, scroll engraved at the breech end and with bands of scroll at the breech ends, tubes engraved 'HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 98. NEW BOND STREET, LONDON.', 2 7/8in. chambers, bored approx. 3/4 and full choke, automatic safety with gold-inlaid 'SAFE' detail, gold-inlaid cocking-indicators, carved fences, best bold Royal scroll engraving, the underside with a cartouche inscribed 'ROYAL HAMMERLESS EJECTOR', retaining much original colour-hardening and finish, 14in. figured semi-pistolgrip stock, gold oval escutcheon initialled 'Z.A.L.', weight 9lb. 3oz., in its brass-cornered oak and leather case with accessories and internal protective flap, the lid outer marked 'Z.A. LASH. TORONTO' and with later marking '10 Guage' (sic).
Please note VAT at 5% is applicable on the hammer price.
£8,000-12,000
Provenance: The makers have kindly confirmed that the gun was completed as a '10-bore Royal hammerless 'AB' ejector gun, top lever, top safety, 31" steel barrels, L. full choke, special rib, R. Mod choke'. It was 'finished at factory' on the 15th September 1903 for 'Lash'Zebulon Aiton Lash (b.1846, d. 1920) was a lawyer, civil servant and businessman from Newfoundland, Canada. A key figure in the Department of Justice, he joined the Department just at the time when the division of powers between the federal and provincial governments was being defined. Though a firm exponent of the idea of central government and federal power, he played a key role in enlarging the jurisdiction of provincial courts and brought a far more effective working relationship between the provincial and federal courts. He was also heavily involved in the development of the Prairie lands and establishing an appropriate system of land ownership (which avoided the problems experienced on the American frontier lands).In 1882 he left the Department of Justice to join a firm of Lawyers in Toronto. With his experience and vast knowledge of the intricacies (and sometimes clashes) of and between federal and provincial laws, he became quickly recognised as the foremost Canadian corporation lawyer of his day. As well as his work within the law firm, he served as a director of Bell Telephone, British America Assurance, Canada Life Assurance, National Trust, and Western Canada Flour Mills. In 1902 he become chief solicitor (and later Vice President) of the Canadian Northern Railway Company. This lead him to undertake the legal work for the reorganization of the Great North Western Telegraph Company of Canada, (using the facilities of the Canadian Northern and other railways) to compete with the Canadian Pacific Railway's telegraph system. In 1913 he became president of the telegraph company, (later to be absorbed by Canadian Northern in 1915). He was also a director, chief solicitor, and vice-president of the Canadian Bank of Commerce (the main financial backer of Canadian Northern). Outside of business matters, he was a member and vice-chairman of the board of governors of the University of Toronto and served as a trustee of the Toronto General Hospital. He was a highly effective fund raiser for both of these, as well for the Young Men's Christian Association. He was a keen sportsman and fisherman and held a Directorship of the Fish and Game Protective Association.
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PAPE, NEWCASTLE
A GOOD .577-450 (M/H) SINGLE-SHOT SERVICE-RIFLE, MODEL 'MARTINI-HENRY COMMERCIAL', serial no. 4205, circa 1890, with blued 33in. barrel signed 'W.R. PAPE, NEWCASTLE ON TYNE', plain blued slab-sided receiver with number '23368' on the left hand side, walnut butt-stock, iron furniture including smooth heel-plate, short under-lever, serial number engraved to the trigger-guard bow, two blued barrel-bands, the front with bayonet lug, iron nose-cap to the walnut three-quarter length fore-end and iron under-barrel clearing rod, the whole with much original finish and appearing little used
£800-1,000
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WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS
A .50-110 (EX) LEVER-ACTION REPEATING SPORTING-RIFLE, MODEL '1886', serial no. 142726, for 1907, with blued 26in. octagonal barrel, the top-flat signed 'MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO, NEW HAVEN CONN. USA PAT. OCT 14 1884, JAN 20 1885', dove-tailed beaded blade fore-sight, express rear-sight, plain receiver (probably originally colour-hardened), the top-tang marked 'MODEL 1886 WINCHESTER TRADE MARK', straight-hand walnut butt-stock with iron crescent heel-plate, plain walnut fore-end with iron nose-cap and full length under-barrel magazine tube, strong traces of probable original blued finish
£1,000-1,500
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J.D. DOUGALL
A RARE 14-BORE PINFIRE EARLY VARIANT 1860 PATENT 'LOCKFAST' SLIDE-AND-TILT SIDELEVER DOUBLE HAMMER 'TIGER' RIFLE, serial no. 1871, 21 3/4in. bold damascus barrels with starburst detailing around the pinfire apertures, broad matt rib with scroll detailing at the breech end, open sights and reblued folding leaf sights, engraved 'J.D. DOUGALL. INVENTOR, & PATENTEE, 59 ST. JAMES'S ST. LONDON.', Dougall 'lockfast' patent action, patent no. 1128 of 7th May 1860, rearward facing push-down large d-ring sidelever with sprung side retaining catch, finely engraved carved serpentine fences, action face with protruding bosses, standing breech with further cylindrical stud (engages with a recess in lump), non-rebounding back-action locks with finely engraved bolted dolphin hammers, best border and fine scroll engraving, the underside with a scrolling banner engraved 'J.D. DOUGALL'S PATENT LOCKFAST', triggerguard forming a skeletal pistolgrip, 14 7/8in. highly-figured stock with sling eyes and chequered steel buttplate with scroll engraved tang, weight 9lb. 7oz.
£4,000-6,000
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J. McCRIRICK
A .360 (NO.5) 1862 SNIDER PATENT CONVERTED SINGLE-BARRELLED PARK RIFLE, no visible serial number, 26in. octagonal bold twist barrel, converted from muzzle loading with F.E. Schneider and J. Snider patent hinged breech block, patent no. 1828 of 21st June 1862, bold scroll-engraved breech block inscribed 'HIGHET & HUNTER. AYR', open sights and bead fore-sight with protector, retaining underbarrel rod with brass tip with worm, non-rebounding bar action lock with high-spurred hammer, fine border and acanthus scroll engraving, the makers name engraved in a scrolling banner, the top tang with bold acanthus scrolls surrounding a small oval engraved with a stags head, triggerguard with a vignette of a running stag, engraved pineapple finial and chequered steel skeletal pistolgrip, the hand mounted with rear-sight mount bases, 14 1/4in. figured stock including steel buttplate, weight 4lb. 15oz.
£700-900
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W. RAWBONE, CAPETOWN
A .577-450 (M/H) SINGLE-SHOT SPORTING RIFLE WITH ACTION OF TRIALS TYPE, MODEL 'MARTINI-HENRY', serial no. 2225, circa 1880, with tapering round 29 3/4in. barrel, replacement tunnel fore-sight, short sighting-rib at breech signed 'W. & J. RAWBONE, CAPETOWN' and terminating in a triple folding leaf 'Africa' sight with additional standing notch, borderline and partially scroll engraved action of pre MKI style signed on the left 'MARTINI'S PATENT' the right side with tear-drop cocking indicator and side-mounted sliding safety-bar similar to trials type operating from within the trigger-guard bow, walnut butt-stock (old repair at head, traces of chequering), iron 'shotgun' heel-plate, silver shield-shaped escutcheon to top of comb towards heel, short cocking lever, walnut splinter fore-end with traces of chequering and horn tip, fitted with iron swivels and a period leather sling, finish and detail worn throughout
£400-600
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ALEXR. HENRY
A FINE .450 (3 1/4IN.) BLACK POWDER EXPRESS ROTARY-UNDERLEVER DOUBLE-BARRELLED HAMMER RIFLE, serial no. 2977, 28in. black powder only damascus barrels with broad raised partially matted rib, central section engraved 'ALEXR. HENRY. 12 SOUTH ST. ANDREW ST. EDINBURGH. PATENT NO. 2223.', open sights with folding leaf sight, bead fore-sight, Henry patent rifling, Jones patent rotary underlever, carved percussion fences, non-rebounding back action locks with bolted dolphin hammers, articulated front trigger, best fine border and acanthus scroll engraving, retaining traces of original colour-hardening, 14 1/4in. well-figureed pistolgrip stock with engraved steel pistolgrip-cap (with trap), sling eyes and engraved steel heel and toe plates, in its brass-cornered oak and leather case with pigskin leather lining and original 12 South Saint Andrew Street address trade label
£5,000-7,000
Provenance: The makers have kindly confirmed that the rifle was competed as a 'Best Double C.F. Express Rifle .450 gauge, 28in. barrels, patent no. 2223' for a 'solid taper case, 4 drs, usual bullet'. The original name in the records is 'Harry Cropley' but this has been crossed out and overwritten 'C.J. Cunningham'. The date listed is 1873
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W.R. PAPE
A RARE 10-BORE (2 7/8IN.) 1866 PATENT ROTATING SINGLE-BOLT SNAP-ACTION THUMBLEVER HAMMERGUN, serial no. 1708, with extra barrels, 30in. bold damascus barrels, rib engraved 'W.R. PAPE. NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE. WINNER OF ALL THE LONDON GUN TRIALS IN 1858, 1859 & 1865. PATENT NO. 175', 2 7/8in. chambers, bored true cyl. in both, fore-end with ornate chequering borders, engraved steel finial and with cross-pin release;
second set of 30in. bold damascus barrels, rib engraved 'W.R. PAPE. NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE. WINNER OF ALL THE LONDON GUN TRIALS IN 1858, 1859 & 1865.', 2 7/8in. chambers, bored approx. full choke in both, fore-end with Deeley & Edge patent release catch and horn finial;action incorporating Pape patent thumblever, patent no. 1501 of 29th May 1866, Pape patent cartridge extracting mechanism and firing pin safety / extracting mechanism, patent no. 2488 of September 3rd 1867, action marked patent 175 and with Pape trade mark, carved serpentine fences, non-rebounding sidelocks with finely engraved hammers, best bold acanthus scroll engraving, the underside with 'W.R. PAPE'S PATENT NO. 175', scrolled flat front triggerguard with the Pape trade mark, 14 1/2in. figured stock with engraved steel heel and toe plates and ornate chequering, weight 7lb. 13oz. (cylinder barrels) and 8lb. (choke barrels)
£3,000-5,000
Provenance: The makers have kindly confirmed that the gun was completed as a 10-bore with 30in. barrels, Pape patent use number 175, in February 1870 for Sir N. Elliott of Harwick. They also inform us that "In the ledgers the name of " Sir N. Elliot" and the sale date is on a piece of paper pasted into the ledgers over a previous entry. This does happen from time to time in the records. The gun was supplied to Pape by a gun maker named Hodgeths - a regular supplier to Pape around this time. No mention is made of second pair of barrels."
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ENFIELD
A .577-450 (M/H) SINGLE SHOT SERVICE CARBINE, MODEL 'MARTINI-HENRY CAVALRY CARBINE, serial no. 85, dated for 1879, with 21 1/2in. barrel, bladed ramped fore-sight with side protectors, elevating ladder rear-sight, the nocksform stamped 'C.2.Y' over '85', slab-sided receiver marked with a crown over 'VR' over 'ENFIELD 1879' over 'I.C.1', walnut butt-stock with traces of enfield stamp to right hand side, walnut full-length fore-end, shaped metal nose-cap, iron clearing rod and no provision for bayonet, re-finished
£400-600
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WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS
A SCARCE .40-72 (WIN) LEVER-ACTION REPEATING SPORTING-RIFLE, MODEL '1895 SLAB-SIDE', serial no. 2235, for 1896, with shortened tapering re-blued octagonal barrel marked on the top-flat, MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN USA', dove-tailed fore-sight, buckhorn rear-sight, re-coloured central hammer, the top-tang marked 'WINCHESTER MODEL 1895', figured butt-stock with crescent heel-plate, later chequering at wrist, re-coloured finger-lever, walnut splinter fore-end with ebony tip and later chequering, the whole re-blued with some pitting under finish; TOGETHER WITH a Winchester factory letter (2)
£1,000-1,200
The attached letter states the rifle left the factory in 1897. Hand written notes accompanying the rifle read 'Found in mining shack under the floor boards wrapped in leather at the Double Eagle Mine in Idaho City, Idaho in 1983.'
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JOSLYN FIRE ARMS CO.
A .52 (RIMFIRE) SINGLE-SHOT SERVICE CARBINE, MODEL '1862', serial no. 9186, dated for 1864, with round tapering blued 22in. barrel, blade fore-sight, folding leaf rear-sight, pivoting breech-block marked 'B.F. JOSLYN'S PATENT, OCTOBER 8TH 1861 JUNE 24TH 1862' and drilled with vent-hole, bar-action lock marked 'JOSLYN FIRE ARMS CO STONINGTON CONN.' together with the date, saddle-ring and bar to the left hand side and walnut half-stock with nickel-plated furniture
£700-900
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SPENCER, USA
A .52 (RIMFIRE) LEVER-ACTION REPEATING CARBINE, MODEL '1865', serial no. 21858, circa 1865, with blued round 20in. barrel, block and blade fore-sight and folding ladder rear-sight, colour-hardened receiver with under-lever opening, the top of receiver stamped 'SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE, PAT'D MARCH 6 1860', MANUF'D AT PROV. R.I. BY BURNSIDE RIFLE CO.' together with the date '1865', 'Stabler' cut-off, colour-hardened back-action sidelock with external hammer, saddle-ring and bar to left hand side, walnut straight-hand butt-stock with magazine tube concealed in the iron heel-plate, walnut splinter fore-end and iron barrel-band with swivel, much original blued finish and colour
£1,000-1,500
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SPENCER, USA
A .52 (RIMFIRE) LEVER-ACTION REPEATING RIFLE, MODEL '1867', serial no. 99108, circa 1867, with blued round 30in. barrel, fore-sight doubling as bayonet lug, folding ladder rear-sight, colour-hardened receiver with under-lever opening, the top of receiver stamped 'SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE CO. BOSTON, MASS, PAT'D MARCH 6 1860', Spencer pattern cut-off, colour-hardened back-action sidelock with external hammer, walnut straight-hand butt-stock with magazine tube concealed in the iron heel-plate, walnut three-quarter fore-end, three iron barrel-bands, the second with swivel, much finish throughout
£1,200-1,600
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ENFIELD
A .577-450 (M/H) SINGLE-SHOT SERVICE-RIFLE, MODEL 'MARTINI-HENRY MKIV LONG-LEVER', no visible serial number, dated for 1887, with 33in. barrel, ramp fore-sight, elevating ladder rear-sight, plain receiver dated and stamped with a 'VR' crown device and the model number, tear-drop cocking indicator, stepped back to the action, walnut butt-stock with iron heel-plate, long cocking lever, walnut three-quarter length fore-end, two iron barrel-bands, the front with bayonet lug, iron nose-cap and iron under-barrel clearing rod, fitted with a period leather sling
£400-600
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ENFIELD
A REMARKABLE .577 (SNIDER) SINGLE-SHOT SERVICE-RIFLE, MODEL 'SNIDER THREE-BAND MKIII', serial no. 1473, dated for 1871, with blued 36 1/2in. barrel, block and blade fore-sight, elevating ladder rear-sight, the side of breech stamped 'STEEL' and with various ordnance inspection marks, blued receiver stamped 'III' on the nocksform, colour-hardened flip-open breech-block with sprung locking catch, colour hardened lock with 'VR' crown device and signed 'ENFIELD 1871', walnut three-quarter stock with circular 'ENFIELD' stamp to right side of butt, brass furniture, chained firing-pin protector, three iron barrel-bands and jag-ended clearing rod, the whole in outstanding condition and appearing little used
£800-1,200
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A 16mm NEEDLEFIRE SINGLE-SHOT BOLT-ACTION SERVICE RIFLE, SIGNED 'STAHL', MODEL 'DREYSE M1862', serial no. 9917, dated for 1863 and re-stamped 1867, with 33in. barrel, block and blade fore-sight, standing notch rear-sight with two large folding leaves, part octagonal receiver with bolt action opening, walnut three-quarter stock with brass furniture except iron heel-plate and under-barrel iron clearing rod, exposed iron surfaces stained and lightly corroded
£800-1,200
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A RARE, POSSIBLY UNIQUE 11x50.5mm (COMBLAIN) GOVERNMENT PRIZE RIFLE, MODEL 'M1870 BELGIAN COMBLAIN', serial no. 9926, circa 1872, with blued octagonal to round 33in. barrel (some external pitting), the top-flat inlaid in a gold-bordered panel 'PRIS DU GOUVERNEMENT', the adjacent side-flats inlaid with gold borders surrounding arabesques, brass fore-sight blade, elevating ladder rear-sight mounted on a chisel-engraved brass body, the ladder with the ranges picked out in gold, deeply chisel and relief engraved bronze slab-sided falling-block action (slightly at fault), the left side depicting hounds savaging a boar, the right side with hounds performing the same act on a stag, the carved receiver top stamped 'COMBLAIN BREVETE' together with the serial number and Belgium acceptance marks, central blued hammer, integral chisel-carved top tang, straight-hand walnut butt-stock with chisel-carved and moulded butt-plate, the top-spur featuring the mask of a lion with further raised floral detail to heel and toe, similarly chisel-carved bottom-tang and cocking lever forming the trigger-guard bow, the lever with the mask of a foliate-bearded green-man, walnut three-quarter fore-end with engraved side-screws and mounts near the action, two relief-carved bronze barrel-bands, en-suite bronze nose-cap and under-barrel iron ramrod with chisel-engraved jag-end: TOGETHER WITH a service yataghan bayonet for the same model rifle (not presentation, no scabbard) (2)
£3,000-5,000
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WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS
A .44 (HENRY) LEVER-ACTION REPEATING CARBINE, MODEL '1866', serial no. 160115, late model, 1883, with round 20in. barrel with signature and patent dates on the top, brass receiver without dust-cover, the left hand side fitted with saddle-ring, central hammer, top-tang drilled for peep-sight, walnut butt-stock, brass heel-plate with sliding central trapdoor, larger type iron finger-lever, walnut fore-end with single barrel-band and full-length magazine tube, traces of finish, some areas re-touched
£2,000-3,000
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A SCARCE 11mmx45R BREECH-LOADING SERVICE-RIFLE, UNSIGNED, MODEL 'WARNANT'S PATENT 1848//68? BELGIAN RIFLE', serial no. 2455, circa 1868, with blued 31 1/2in. barrel, block and blade fore-sight, elevating ladder rear-sight with off-set volley sight, lift-up trap-door breech with twisting wing-nut lock, the underside signed 'WARNANT', external plain back-action lock and plain hammer, walnut three-quarter stock, iron furniture including curved heel-plate. two iron barrel-bands, nose-cap and under-barrel clearing rod
£800-1,200
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SHARPS, USA
A .52-70 (GOVT) SINGLE-SHOT CARBINE, MODEL '1863 NEW-MODEL CARBINE', serial no. C2780, converted from capping breech-loading circa 1867, with 22in. tapering round barrel rifled in six grooves marked 'NEW MODEL 1863' at the breech-end, block and blade fore-sight, folding ladder rear-sight, colour hardened receiver with early spring-loaded firing pin, the side of the back action colour-hardened lock marked 'R.S. LAWRENCE PAT, APRIL 12TH 1859' behind the hammer at the top and 'C. Sharp's PAT. OCT 5TH 1852' to the tail, saddle-bar and ring to left hand side, walnut butt-stock, iron furniture, walnut splinter fore-end and one barrel-band
£2,000-3,000
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R. HUGHES, BIRMINGHAM
A .577 (SNIDER) BREECH-LOADING SERVICE-RIFLE, MODEL 'SNIDER TWO-BAND', serial no. P1909, Commercial production circa 1870, with shortened 30 1/2in. barrel, block and blade fore-sight, elevating lader rear-sight, later South African serial number, colour-hardened flip-open breech marked 'SNIDER PATENT' (faint), plain lock, the tail marked with a crown device over 'ENFIELD, the lock signed forwards of the hammer 'R. HUGHES PATENT', walnut full-stock with exposed muzzle, the right side of butt stamped in an oval 'ROBERT HUGHES UNIVERSAL FIREARMS WORKS BIRM.M', iron furniture including two barrel-bands, chained firing-pin protector and jag ended ramrod, strong traces of finish remaining
£300-500
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NEWHAVEN ARMS CO
A MAGNIFICENT AND RARE .44 (HENRY) LEVER-ACTION PLATED AND ENGRAVED REPEATING RIFLE, MODEL 'HENRY', serial no. 9093, for 1865, with blued octagonal 24 1/4in. barrel with integral magazine-tube beneath, the top-flat signed 'HENRY'S PATENT OCT 16 1860' over 'MANUFACTURED BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS CO. NEWHAVEN CT.', (one small patch of corrosion in the word 'manufactured'), white metal blade foresight, the muzzle turning for loading, elevating ladder rear-sight, silver-plated brass action engraved with borders and American scrolls on a punched dot ground, the slab sides with vacant central blank areas possibly for an inscription, scroll-work extending along the top and bottom-tangs, also the floor of the cartridge lifter, walnut butt-stock with silver plated crescent heel-plate, the top scroll engraved, central trap-door for cleaning rods, side mounted sling-swivels fitted with a early 20th century webbing sling, colour-hardened finger-lever and plated thumb-piece for loading, the whole retaining much original blued and plated finish, fading in high wear areas
£20,000-30,000
This rifle was almost certainly engraved by the Winchester factory engraver L.D. Nimschke. For near identical engraving patterns see pages 49-50 of 'Winchester Engraving' by R.L. Wilson.
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WILKINSON & SON, LONDON
A CASED 12-BORE PINFIRE DOUBLE-BARRELLED SPORTING-GUN, serial no. 6135, circa 1870, with re-browned 30in. damascus barrels, the top-rib with refreshed signature ' WILKINSON & SON, GUN MAKERS TO HER MAJESTY, PALL MALL LONDON', border engraving at breech-end, borderline, scroll and shell engraved long top-tang, border and scroll engraved rounded action body with engraved swing under-lever, border and scroll engraved back-action locks signed 'WILKINSON & SON, engraved dolphin headed hammers, figured walnut butt-stock chequered at the wrist, engraved blued butt-plate (rubbed), walnut chequered splinter fore-end, the whole re-finished; TOGETHER WITH a mahogany storage case, lined and compartmented in green baize and containing an additional walleted pull-through, the inner lid with parchment 'JOHN WILKINSON & SON' trade label
£600-800
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HOLLAND & HOLLAND
A .295 (ROOK) 'ROYAL' SINGLE-BARRELLED (CROSSOVER) BOXLOCK EJECTOR ROOK RIFLE, serial no. 13842, 26in. black powder only octagonal barrel with file-cut top flat, open sights with two folding leaf sights, white metal inlaid sight lines and marked for 50, 100 and 150 yards, bead fore-sight, the breech end engraved 'HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 98. NEW BOND ST. LONDON. WINNERS OF ALL THE "FIELD" RIFLE TRIALS. .295 SEMI SMOOTH BORE.', carved teardrop fences, removable striker disc, automatic safety with gold-inlaid 'SAFE' detail, non-selective ejector, fine acanthus scroll engraving, retaining much original colour-hardening and finish, 14 1/4in. well-figured crossover pistolgrip stock with engraved and colour-hardened steel pistolgrip-cap, Hackett patent snap fore-end with horn finial, weight 5lb.
£1,200-1,600
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EMIL KERNER & SOHN (SUHL)
A 4-BORE ROTARY-UNDERLEVER HAMMERGUN, no visible serial number, 39 1/2in. (100cm) black powder only barrels with broad filed rib with panel engraved 'EMIL KERNER u SOHN SUHL' and with floral designs at the breech end, giant treble-grip action with carved serpentine fences, rebounding back-action locks with carved hammers (one a replacement), screw-grip underlever, the action, lockplates and furniture carved in relief with game scenes of stag, hare, roe deer and fox amongst scrolling floral designs, all on a matted background, 14in. pistolgrip stock including 7/8in. rubber recoil pad, weight 19lb. 7oz.
£4,000-6,000
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A 10.4mm SWISS BOLT-MAGAZINE SERVICE RIFLE 'MODEL 1871' VETTERLI, serial no. 50445, with 33in. blued barrel, block and blade fore-sight, elevating rear-sight on a tangent scale, receiver marked 'SOC. IND. SUISSE SYST. VETTERLIN', loading aperture on the right hand side with scarce hinged dust-cover, walnut three-quarter straight-hand stock with chequer-board chequered fore-end and iron mounts, complete with iron clearing rod, some external pitting to metalwork
£400-600
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DANL. FRAZER, EDINBURGH
A GOOD .577-450 (M/H) SINGLE-SHOT SERVICE-RIFLE, MODEL 'MARTINI-HENRY COMMERCIAL', serial no. 2083, circa 1890, with blued 33in. barrel, the nocksform signed 'DANL FRAZER & COY. EDINBURGH', plain blued slab-sided receiver, walnut butt-stock, iron furniture including chequered heel-plate, short under-lever, two blued barrel-bands, the front with bayonet lug, iron nose-cap to the walnut three-quarter length fore-end and iron under-barrel clearing rod, the whole with much original finish and appearing little used
£400-600
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* ROBERT HUGHES, LONDON & BIRMINGHAM
A .577-450 (M/H) SINGLE-SHOT SPORTING-RIFLE, MODEL 'MARTINI-HENRY COMMERCIAL', serial no. 406, circa 1900, with 28 1/2in. barrel, full-length matted sighting rib signed 'ROBERT HUGHES & SONS, MAKERS LONDON & BIRMINGHAM' within a panel, provision for adjustable dove-tailed fore-sight (missing), 'Africa' style rear-sight with a standing notch, four folding leaves (one absent) and elevating ladder-sight (also missing), machine engraved slab-sided receiver signed 'HUGHES' to both sides, chequered walnut pistol-grip butt-stock, iron furniture (heel-plate replaced in aluminium), the wrist drilled for peep-sight (missing), under-lever with rolled end, chequered splinter fore-end with moulded horn tip and eyelets for sling
Please note VAT at 5% is applicable on the hammer price.
£400-600
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FIELD RIFLE CO, BIRMINGHAM
A GOOD .577-450 (M/H) SINGLE-SHOT SERVICE-RIFLE, MODEL 'MARTINI-HENRY COMMERCIAL', serial no. B875, circa 1890, with 33in. barrel signed 'FIELD RIFLE CO. BIRMINGHAM', plain blued slab-sided receiver signed as before but in script, walnut butt-stock, iron furniture, short under-lever, two blued barrel-bands, the front with bayonet lug, iron nose-cap to the walnut three-quarter length fore-end and iron under-barrel clearing rod, the whole with much hardened oil residue over probable original finish
£300-500
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STEVENS, USA
A .25 (RIMFIRE) SINGLE-SHOT FALLING-BLOCK RIFLE, MODEL '44 1/2', serial no. 40373, circa 1900, possibly an 'English Model', with slightly tapering two-stage 24in. blued barrel, the top-flat signed 'J. STEVENS A & T CO. CHICOPEE FALLS, MASS USA, PAT APR 17 94', folding ring fore-sight with ivory bead, buck-horn rear-sight (elevator ramp missing), colour hardened slab-sided central hammer action, the top-tang fitted with a 'Lyman' style column peep-sight, walnut butt-stock (renewed) with moulded 'Stevens' plastic heel-plate, replacement fore-end, strong amount of original finish to metalwork
£200-300
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STEVENS, USA
A .32 (LONG RIMFIRE) SINGLE-SHOT RIFLE, MODEL 'STEVEN'S TIP-UP', serial no. 10770, circa 1890, with octagonal 28in. blued barrel, the left-flat signed 'J. STEVENS & CO. CHICOPEE FALLS, MASS, PAT SEPT 6 1884', dove-tailed crescent blade fore-sight, ebony blanking plate to the rear-sight dove-tail, nickel-plated radiused central hammer action, the top-tang fitted with a 'Lyman' style column peep-sight, walnut butt with plated crescent heel-plate, no provision for fore-end, strong amount of original finish throughout
£250-350
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SPANDAU ARSENAL
AN 11mm (MAUSER) BOLT-ACTION REPEATING SERVICE-RIFLE, MODEL 'MAUSER M71/84', serial no. 7158, dated for 1888, with 31 1/2in. re-blued barrel, dove-tailed blade fore-sight, elevating ladder rear-sight, straight bolt handle (in the white), flag safe to rear, re-finished walnut three-quarter stock with traces of ordnance marks, tubular under-barrel magazine and iron swivels
£400-600
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