January 11th 2014 Gun Sale (01)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/10/2014
The brass barrel is octagonal to round 16" barrel with a finely faceted baluster molding at the breech. The barrel shows worn but visible British view and proof marks as well as an "I H" makers mark (possibly John Harvey) with an intaglio diamond above the stamped initials; In addition, the barrel has engraved floral patterns at the breech and is engraved "London". The top barrel flat has chevron engraving at the junction of the octagon-to-round transition. The original flintlock is the earlier Tower style with only a single screw showing (the rear screw) behind the cock which has a molded oval thumb piece and also a trefoil tailed frizzen spring. The lock is engraved with the "Crown and GR" as well as the Broad arrow, denoting government ownership. The walnut stock is fitted with a full complement of "first model" type brass mountings, the butt cap and trigger guard display "leafage/scroll" engravings. The upper flared ramrod ferrule has a simple flare, much like the so called Pratt improvement. The walnut stock has a soft, faded "nut brown color" with the typical raised oval apron around the iron barrel tang. There is a branded "RT" on both sides of the butt stock. There is a "1/4" wide by 1 1/2" long patch below the very front of the locks cavity while there is evidence of minor "worm" holes (now filled) and also a small triangular patch alongside the barrel on the upper side above the front ferrule. In addition, the ebony ramrod has its original brass tamping cap and original worm screw at its lower end. One would assume that this piece was a "custom" officers piece and is the finest early blunder -buss to be yet offered by this auction house. In spite of the "flared" upper ramrod ferrule, I would consider this piece to have been made in the 1750s or 1760s.