April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
(1890) G. E. Lewis is known for building big bore waterfowling guns, and this massive stopping rifle is a fine example of his work. Weighing in at almost 18 - 1/2 lbs, it has 29" steel barrel (3" chamber, .844 groove diameter, 9 groove Enfield type rifling) fitted with raised matted rib holding one standing, one folding leaf express rear sight and silver bead front. Unmatted portion of rib toward rear is engraved "G. E. Lewis. 32 & 33 Lower Loveday St. Birmingham 8108". Rib has dolls head extension. Barrel flats are stamped with Birmingham black powder proofs for 8 bore. Case hardened round bodied Jones under lever single shot action is fitted with peninsula back spring right hand lock with round bodied serpentine hammer. Action is very nicely filed but essentially devoid of engraving except for pin heads and "G. E. Lewis" on lockplate. Steel trigger guard extends to case hardened steel grip cap. Lightly figured and streaked European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14" over case hardened steel buttplate. Flat topped point pattern checkering is at grip. Matching splinter forend attaches to barrels with captive side bolt through shaped steel escutcheons. Weight: 18 lbs 5 oz. CONDITION: Excellent, close to new, with very little evidence of having been shot, and only some minor marks on metal and wood, with only some very light sharp edge wear on barrels, with one or two small marks. Case color is fading a bit on top tang and at grip. Otherwise there are some light scratches and minor flecking. There are scattered light scratches and one or two bumps in original wood finish. Buttplate retains nearly all of its original case hardening color. Bore is excellent, bright, sharp and shiny throughout. Action is tight. Lock is crisp. These early big bore stopping rifles are all quite scarce, most have seen extensive use. This exceptional high condition example is a true rarity and worthy of a place in the finest collection. MGM209.
Drop at Comb
approx 1 - 3/4"
Drop at Heel
approx 2 - 5/16"