September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
Musket measures 49" overall; possibly French or Dutch, 18th century. Walter O'Connor purchased this musket when it was sold in the October 18, 1988 Christie's auction, lot 315;part of the property of the estate of Cecil DeMille, movie producer, Hollywood icon, and arms collector. A copy of this catalog with the receipt are included, as well as a copy of a photograph showing Cecil DeMille holding this gun. There are also six movie stills for the 1958 film "The Buccaneer" showing this gun on set, mounted on the deck of a ship of war. The gun itself features a massive two-stage octagonal brass blunderbuss barrel with cannon muzzle, measuring 2 1/4" at opening and about 1" internally. The lock is of iron and features a flat, unmarked lockplate and goose-neck cock. Brass furniture; includes a French style convex triggerguard and flat sideplate. Trumpeted cast brass ramrod ferrules and buttplate with rounded tang. The heavy walnut stock is full length and barrel is retained by a large brass band and the pin for the iron swivel bracket. Very good condition, overall, with all surfaces untouched and unpolished. Barrel and all brass components retain a dark heavy patina with some scattered marks from use. Buttplate is missing one screw and original ramrod is absent. Stock is good with scattered marks from use and some stress cracks due to age. Lock is in original flintlock configuration and retains a dark even grey patina. A very large and early swivel gun in nice untouched condition and with a great provenance.
Item Dimensions: 49 x 9 x 14"