September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/11/2024
Circa 1865 per "British Gunmakers: Volume One: London" by Brown. Dovetail lump barrels with bead front sight and express rear sight on two bases, one base with standing leaf, unmarked, other with three folding leafs marked for 100, 150, and 200 yards with gold express lines (200 yard missing) and engraved over tubes "Charles Lancaster 151 New Bond Street London" and "Patent Breech Loading Smooth Bore'd Rifle". Underside of tubes with matching "3958" numbers, CL proofs for Charles Lancaster, view and proof marks, and "41" bore notation. Splinter forearm with near full coverage of modified point pattern checkering, and a replaced horn forearm tip, with light scroll engraving on exterior iron, interior numbers matching in wood. Underlever action with acanthus scrollwork and signed "CHARLES LANCASTER'S PATENT" on both sides, action flats with serial number, lever engraved with rays and scrollwork with checkered knob. Backaction locks with English stalking safeties and tall cocks, engraved en suite, with locks additionally signed "C. LANCASTER LONDON PATENT". Double triggers with serial number on large trigger guard with checkered tang, with both top and bottom tangs engraved en suite. Walnut stock with straight English grip, checkered in a modified point pattern about the wrist, inset with a silver plaque at toe line engraved with what appears to be a floppy eared dog barking while atop of a parapet. Fully checkered butt with long spearpoint heel finial. CONDITION: Barrels are an even mix of dull bluing and soft chocolate patina, with some areas of deeper oxidation scattered about. Forearm with handling marks and smoothing throughout, forearm tip a replacement and not fit quite right. Action essentially dove grey with flashes of case color in only the most protected areas such as under hammers. Right hammer replaced at cock. Stock with handling marks throughout with a splice repair at toe; locks do not fit quite right and it appears to be related to the replaced shoe for the mules. Mechanically fine, bores with some pitting, heavier in the right barrel. An interesting English double rifle by one of the better makers.
Caliber/Bore
.52 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
Charles Lancaster