May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2020
This fine flintlock fowler is in excellent condition and made by two well known high quality British gunsmiths. The two stage barrel is swamped at the muzzle and has a silver spider front sight. The sections are separated by a detailed wedding band and a link of small balls. There are stars engraved on the top three flats, just behind the band. The top of the barrel is inscribed "W. Bailes/ London". There are English private view and proof marks on the left side on the breech along with a crown over "F" denoting that this maker was foreigner to the Gunmaker's Guild. The barrel has a hooked breech and is browned with a Damascus finish. The barrel tang is case hardened and has well executed foliate and floral scrolls engraved on it. The flat lockplate is case hardened and is engraved "MANTON" in the center. The tail is engraved with a pointer flushing a pheasant. Lock features include a roller frizzen, a waterproof pan, and a French cock, engraved with detailed borders and musical instruments. The touch hole has a gold lining. The blued steel mounts include an endcap with an engraved sunburst, a trigger guard chased with foliate and floral decoration, with two game birds engraved on the bow. The blued buttplate is also engraved with a dog and foliate motifs. Barrel is retained by two keys. The plain walnut halfstock has shaped checkered panels around the wrist with four punched stars in each diamond. CONDITION: Excellent, showing little or no use. Barrel retains 90-95% of its original brown Damascus finish, with some thinning on the edges and a few light storage marks. Markings are excellent and crisp. Barrel tang retains about 90% of its bright case colors, somewhat faded towards the back. Lock is excellent. Markings and engraving are crisp. Lock is very tight and functions flawlessly. Lock retains about 95% of its original bright case colors and fire blued frizzen spring. Mounts retain about 95% of their original fire blued finish, and show only some light edge wear and minor storage marks. Stock is excellent and shows a few light storage marks and minor scuffing from disassembly. A very high condition English fowler by two reputable British gunsmiths. DMG
Manufacturer
Bailes & Manton