December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
An early example of a rifle probably made for an unknown military unit, by Birmingham gunmaker John Probin, who is recorded working independently as early as 1769. In April 1776, Lord Guernsey recommended Probin to the Board of Ordnance for the making of rifle barrels, which would indicate that he was already setup for rifle-making. Bailey (2002) suggests that this rifle could have been made in the 1770s, based on both the form of the lock (popular among Ordnance contractors and similar to those found on the P1776 and Ferguson rifles) and that of the stock, which includes brass Land Pattern-type mounts and a carved apron around the tang. It clearly predates 1800, the year Probin died. The 30-inch L octagonal barrel is of 0.69 caliber with eight grooves and bears London Gunmakers’ Co. proofmarks, to the left near the breech, while the top flat bears an engraved issue number “8”. There is a single fixed upright leaf to the rear sight, while the front is a silver blade type on wedge, set into a cut on the upper barrel flat. Another number “27” is carved into the left cheek of the butt and there is a crown/9 inspection mark behind the triggerguard, suggesting that it was taken into government use at some time. The flat, beveled lock is engraved with a single border line, the maker’s name “J / PROBIN” across the tail, and a royal crown before the cock. There is no provision for a bayonet, the rifle being stocked to the muzzle with a brass nosecap and the ramrod channel and pipes are wide enough to accommodate a heavy, iron ramrod. The rifle is 45 ¾ inches long overall.