GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
MARSEY & SILLIVER FOUR BORE PERCUSSION RIFLE ONCE BELONGING TO THE NIZAM OF HYDERABAD WITH CUSTOM CASE, IVORY TOOLS, ACCESSORIES AND DISPLAY STAND. MARSEY & SILLIVER PERC RIFLE NSN 4 BORE IVORY Cal. 4 bore. (.991 Groove diameter, 10 deep U-shaped grooves). 31" Fine stub Damascus tapered octagon bbl is engraved "MARSEY & SILLIVER" at rear portion flanked by geometric line engraving. Remainder of top flat is stippled and has small inlaid silver poincon stamped "RAWBONE''S PATENT" with extension of poincon with inlaid groove to silver bead front sight. A four folding leaf rear sight marked for 100, 200, and 400 yards is dovetailed through at rear. The Nizam''s inventory code is stamped at rear of left flat where visible above stock. Bottom flat of bbl is stamped with Birmingham black powder proofs for 6 and 8 (bore and groove diameter). Bbl has under rib fitted with two beaded pipes holding cane ramrod with removable bulbous ebony head. Case hardened patent breech has nicely filed snail shaped bolster with screw clean-out. There are two gold lines inlaid at rear top which is nicely scroll engraved. Scroll engraved breech iron has integral fence. Large bar lock is fitted with tall flat faced serpentine hammer and has back sliding safety. It is engraved with about 50% coverage very well cut large shaded scroll, within herringbone borders. "MARSEY & SILLIVER" is in front of hammer. Trigger plate has nicely engraved scroll finial, and large bow trigger guard with scroll on bow has grip which loops forming pistol hand, which is checkered. Relatively plain but lightly fiddle figured European walnut stock measures 13-7/8" over large steel buttplate with medium spur at heel. Nicely cut coarse checkering is at grip, with a sling eye and silver shield on toe line engraved "SF" over "MOM" (?). Rack number "58" is on left side of stock. Right side is fitted with very large steel patchbox with spring-loaded cover, which is very finely engraved with large shaded scroll. Forend is checkered and has steel cap along with nicely beaded steel thimble. Stock fastens to bbl with two captive side nails through engraved oval steel escutcheons. Drop at heel: approx 2-5/8", drop at comb: approx 1-5/8". Weight: 17 lbs. 3 oz. LOP: 13-7/8". Finely made full length walnut case with brass hinges and key locks, is lined in purple velvet, and is semi french fitted for a fine array of newly made accessories, many fabricated of ivory or with ivory handles. The exception is a very fine pigskin leather covered German silver powder flask with adjustable nozzle by Hawksley. New accessories include round plated oil bottle, mainspring vice, a new steel nutcracker type ball mold gold inlaid "Marsey & Silliver", old patch cutter marked "1-3/8"", two keys, and oil tin with reproduction Rose Brothers label. "Certifiable pre-ban elephant ivory" handled accessories include plated powder dipper, dusting brush, three large turnscrews, three small turnscrews, lead ladle, and newly made Rigby type conical ball mold, with hollow pointing pin. Other ivory accessories include a loading mallet, two large jars, striker bottle, and large 3-pc cleaning rod with German silver ferules. Ivory was sourced from a large legally hunted tusk provided by the consignor. Rifle is also accompanied by custom made oak display stand. PROVENANCE: Invoice from H&H for this rifle stating that it has "provenance for the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1845". Copy of Marsey & Silliver label. Copy of ledger page of the Nizam''s armory, where this rifle is listed with the inventory code found on the bbl. CONDITION: Very fine, as partially refinished. Bbl retains essentially all of an exceptional re-brown, with wonderful definition to complex pattern. Patent breech, breech iron, lock, and other furniture retain 10 - 20% orig case hardening color. Stock retains nearly all of a well done oil refinish. Wood is somewhat below metal. Checkering nicely re-cut. Bore is excellent. Lock is crisp. Safety works. Case is excellent, as is interior velvet, which does have some compressions and marks. Accessories are excellent. Stand is excellent. 49958-30 MGM95 (7,500-12,500)