6th Dec, 2023 10:30 GMT/BST
Militaria & Ethnographica
214
A 19th Century Percussion Single Barrel Big Game Rifle by William Powell & Son, Birmingham, .52 calibre, numbered 6427, the 77cm octagonal russet steel barrel with signed 'Trophy Rib' set with seven graduated hinged leaf sights centred by platinum lines and marked from '2' to '8', and forward of them are gold one inch calibration marks from '9' to '20', with Birmingham proof marks, blued steel breech block with platinum plug, foliate engraved and signed blued steel lock plate, hammer, slide safety, adapted trigger guard with exaggerated angle, the figured walnut half stock (restocked) with finely chequered fore-end, semi-pistol grip, two sling rings, and foliate engraved blued steel butt plate, 119cm, in a brass bound mahogany case, the hinged cover with inset brass ring carrying handle centred by the engraved monogram WP, the green baize lined interior fitted with accessories including a copper powder flask by G & J W Hawksley with embossed netting decoration, a brass powder measure with lignum vitae handle, a horn encased nipple pricker, a turnscrew, a japanned cap tin and a brass tipped wood ramrod, together with a letter from William Powell & Son dated September 7th 1984, regarding its restoration
Footnote: - It is thought that Powells know of only one other example of this rifle made by them, and is believed to be in the USA
Sold for £750
Estimated at £800 - £1,200
Action works strongly, holds at full and half cock. Restocked, and with a later commissioned blued steel trigger guard. There are small nicks to the extremities on the barrel with areas of minor pitting. The hinged cover of the case has a horizontal split.There is some moth damage to the baize lining.
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Auction: Militaria & Ethnographica, 6th Dec, 2023
Militaria and Ethnographica Sales encompass items across diverse areas of collecting, from European and Eastern armour to 18th and 19th century firearms, military uniforms and documents, edged weapons, World War I and World War II ephemera, masonic regalia and medals.
Also included are a vast range of objects created in the early 20th century or earlier by indigenous cultures around the world, from early American civilisations to African tribes and Polynesian island cultures, incorporating religious idols, domestic and ritual objects, figurative sculpture, jewellery and weapons of all descriptions.
Viewing
Tuesday 5 December 10am-5pm and morning of sale from 8am
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