October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
This rifle built according to Field's 1877 patent (No. 1927) is of the very scarce improved Martini type. Jonathan Kirton in THE BRITISH FALLING BLOCK BREECH LOADING RIFLE 2nd edition, notes only three surviving examples. This hitherto unknown example Field number 383 was retailed by W.W. Greener and his number 3472 is on bottom of barrel. Tapered round barrel is engraved "Ammunition" "577/ 450" on Nock form. A single standing, one folding leaf express rear sight is dovetailed through, and a silver bead front is in integral block. A sling eye is brazed to bottom of barrel. Left rear portion of barrel is marked "HENRY'S RIFLING A & T 2465". (Adams & Tate made many barrels for Henry, each marked with a patent use number.) Bottom of barrel is also stamped "W.F"(William Field). Improved Martini action with distinctive large thumb lever on right side features toggle safety. Sides and top are embellished with Greener's unique matting. Areas are left unmatted on left side marked with patent information, and right with "W. W. GREENER" "68 HAYMARKET" "LONDON" in zigzag ribbon device. Field's number is in front of trigger guard, and on bottom of barrel. Lightly streaked European walnut horn capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/8" over checkered steel buttplate. Point pattern checkering is at grip, and a sling eye is on toe line. Matching slim forend has horn tip and attaches to barrel with a screw. Rifle is housed in a full length oak and canvas case with brass corners and leather trim, lined in burgundy cloth. Top of case is embossed "CAPTAIN W. S. W. PARKER - JERVIS, " "60th RIFLES". A William Evans label is in lid. Case contains period loading equipment including a brass bullet mold marked "450" with accessory pins for solid and hollow point bullets. Also included is a hand sizing die with plugs for priming, and bullet seating, along with some old Kynoch cases and a loading template. Weight: 7 lbs 12 oz. CONDITION: Very fine to excellent. Barrel retains over 80% original blue with some high edge wear, rubs, and flecking. Action retains 70 - 80% of its blue, silvered and flaked on tangs and high areas, as well as around bottom and trigger guard from normal hand wear. Stocks retain over 90% of their original hand rubbed oil finish with open grain, and a number of marks and scratches. Bore is excellent, bright, sharp, and shiny throughout, but a bit dirty. Mechanically excellent. Rifle does not fit case very well. Case shows considerable wear with lid almost detached, handle is detached and in case. Mold and accessories are good, with some rust. A very fine, interesting British rifle. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of Francis Brown. MGM 87
Accessories
Case with accessories
Drop at Comb
Approx. 1 - 5/8"
Drop at Heel
Approx. 2 - 5/8"
Manufacturer
Fields (retailed by W.W. Greener)