February 5, 6, & 7, 2019 Field & Range Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/6/2019
Features cylinder choke barrel, solid frame, blued finish, grooved walnut forend, pistol grip walnut stock and Winchester monogrammed buttplate. Left side of stock is stamped "RIC 763". Left side of barrel has all English proofs with nitro proof upside down. Left side of frame has English proof. According to our research, the London Armory purchased a group of Model 1897 solid frame riot guns for the Royal Irish Constabulary in 1921, while the exact number produced is not known we do know that all known examples fall into the 70000 to 72000 range, with this being clearly in the middle. When examining other examples. "763" is also a documented example among the collector fraternity. Factory letter will not list destination but will list serial number and date of application. Left side of barrel is stamped "CYL" as are all riot guns. CONDITION: Barrel retains approximately 90% of the original factory finish with razor sharp legends and is not drifting to homogeneous patina with blue appearance, and a bit of pin prick salt and pepper at breech. The upside English stamps are identical to other documented examples. Frame has traces of blue and it, too, is basically a homogeneous soft blend of blue and light patina. Walnut stocks are proud to metal. All original finish with the usual handling marks but no cracks or chips. Action works perfectly. Strong, shiny bore. These are extremely rare and desirable examples of Irish police guns purchased after the Easter Rising and before the Royal Irish Constabulary demise in 1922.