October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
According to "Gunsmiths of London, Suppl." by Blackmore, John Bumford was the son of John Bumford I of London. (mark is IB under a fleur de lis) He apprenticed to Thomas Hartwell in 1735 and was free of the Gunmaker's Co. in 1742. He was then elected assistant in 1746; Master in 1751 and 1756; and was listed as gunmaker at the Sign of the Golden Blunderbuss in Minories from 1754 and 1768, Then he was listed as located at 8 St. George St, Minories between 1769 and 1774 (possible all were one address of 8 St George St, Minories, London at the sign of The Golden Blunderbuss). John Bumford was also a Contractor to Ordnance from 1756-71 and to the East India Co. from 1745-73. He was a contractor for the Hudson's Bay Co. from 1757-75 (viewer 1750-56). John Bumford died in 1775. This pistol features a round three-stage barrel with private English view and proof marks as well as "IB" below a fleaur de lis for maker John Bumford. The rounded lockplate has double-line borders and a sprig of engraving at the tail. Crudely marked "BUMFORD" in the center, has an unbridled pan. Brass furniture includes a flat pierced sideplate crudely engraved with military motifs, a plain triggerguard, a symmetrical wrist escutcheon with foliate engraving, full stirrup pommel cap, and trade ferrules. Walnut stock of Georgian form with relief panels around the lock and sideplate, as well a teardrop around the barrel tang. Ramrod is a contemporary replacement. CONDITION: Barrel retains an applied brown patina, some some wear and minor freckling. Lock appears to be in its original flintlock configuration, retains a dark freckled patina, markings very good. Brass furniture retains a dark mustard patina with some scattered marks and wear. Stock shows some wear and has a minor sliver replaced above tail and one minor sliver on tight side of forend, towards muzzle. PROVANANCE: Purchased from Brian LaMaster.
Caliber/Bore
.65 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
John Bumford