| 271 |
WESTLEY RICHARDS
A 12-BORE BAR-IN-WOOD HAMMER GUN, NO. 11784, BUILT FOR ALBERT EDWARD, PRINCE OF WALES, LATER KING EDWARD VII
29 3/4-inch damascus barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about true cylinder borings, doll's head extension, the frame, rebounding bar locks, hammers and patent top lever with fine scroll engraving and retaining some original hardening colour, 14 1/4-inch well figured stock with engraved steel butt plate, 6lb. 10oz., proof exemption certificate, bores marked
The maker confirms that this gun was bought by Queen Victoria in 1869 for her son, The Prince of Wales.
S2
The Prince of Wales' first gun as a boy was a 28-bore percussion gun by Westley Richards and he is recorded as having his first breech loader, a pinfire, in 1863, also by Westley Richards. This was given to him for his 22nd birthday. The Prince had also a .450 Westley Richards rifle.
Provenance:
By family descent from James Campbell, piper to Queen Victoria and later King Edward VII. Purchased by the current owner, Sotheby's, London, 8th December 1988.
Sold for £12000
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| 272 |
CHARLES LANCASTER
A FINE PAIR OF 14-BORE PERCUSSION GUNS, NOS. 1558/9, BUILT FOR HRH PRINCE ALBERT AS A GIFT FROM QUEEN VICTORIA
31-inch damascus barrels, the ribs signed "Charles Lancaster, 151 New Bond Street, London", each with ebony ramrods numbered to the gun and with nickel silver fittings, platinum lined breeches and plugs, the hammers and locks with fine scroll engraving and retaining much original hardening colour, the maker's name signed within a banner, steel furniture, pineapple finial, the trigger guards engraved with dogs and game, the gold escutcheons engraved with a crowned 'A', half length highly figured stocks with engraved and numbered steel butt plates, 14 1/2-inch pull, 7lb. 2oz., black powder proof, in their maker's velvet-lined mahogany case with lift-out tray, tools and accessories, etc
The maker confirms that the guns were built in 1850.
HRH Prince Albert was a regular customer of Charles Lancaster and he ordered his first pair of 15-bore guns (nos. 1346/7) in 1843 and the company received the Royal Warrant later that same year.
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| 273 |
J. PURDEY & SONS
A 20-BORE BAR-IN-WOOD LEVER COCKING HAMMER GUN, NO. 10395, BUILT FOR LORD RIPON
33-inch damascus barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about 3/4 choke borings, the frame, rebounding bar locks, hammers and underlever with fine bouquet and scroll engraving, 14 3/4-inch highly figured stock, 6lb. 3oz., black powder re-proof, bores marked
S2
The maker confirms that the gun was built in 1880 for Earl de Grey, 2nd Marquess of Ripon and that the original barrel was 33-inches. The gun appears not to have been altered from its original specification and the records make mention of the gun having a "Daw" action. The specification of the gun is most unusual for this time and indeed it seems that the great shots of the past were as keen in experimenting with barrels of extreme length as are many shots today.
Lord Ripon, Earl de Grey, was born in 1853 and became the second Marquess of Ripon in 1909. He is arguably the greatest game shot of all all time with a recorded lifetime's total of 556,813 head of game. Much of his shooting was conducted with a set of three guns and with great speed of loading is known to have had seven dead birds in the air at one time. He persisted in the use of hammer guns. The unprecedented size of his "bag" has led to his frequent description of the greatest shot of all and his feats are unlikely to ever be repeated.
At Studley Royal, his Yorkshire estate, he entertained the royalty and nobility of England and Europe and in turn shot with greatest sporting estates, such as Holkham, Sandringham and Elveden in the heyday of the shooting party. It was his combination of natural ability and total commitment to his chosen sport which rasied him above the level of other good shots. In the shooting field throughout his life he was repeatedly top score and despite increasing age he maintained the highest standard to the end. He died on September 22nd 1923 in the field, having gilled 51 grouse on his last drive, while the last birds of the day were being picked up, he fell down dead.
Lord Ripon was married to society beauty Gladys Lonsdale and was a close friend of George V. Lord Ripon achieved his incredible "bag" not only because of his ability but because he was invited to shoot regularly on the very best stocked estates at a time when game abounded. The Duke of Portland said Lord Ripon had "an extraordinary eye" and another shooting pal, Lord Walsingham, wrote of how he and Ripon shooting pheasants at Studley Royal, "took alternate birds by mutual agreement". On one occasion they killed 98 birds between them, having fired 50 shots each. Highly drilled loaders ensured that not a moment's valuable shooting time was lost. However, his speed sometimes caused problems. A gamebook entry dated December 18, 1885 reveals, "Blew top of No.1 gun with No.3". Sometimes however he fell short of his own high standards. November 19, 1907, "404. Shot alright but could not keep up rapidity of firing".
Sold for £15000
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| 274 |
J. PURDEY & SONS
A 12-BORE TOP LEVER HAMMER GUN, NO. 7747, BUILT FOR LORD RIPON
30-inch damascus barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about true cylinder borings, the rounded frame, non-rebounding back locks, hammers and top lever with fine scroll engraving, 14 1/4-inch highly figured stock with engraved steel butt plate, 6lb. 9oz., black powder proof, bores marked
The maker confirms that the gun was built for Earl de Grey, 2nd Marquess of Ripon, in 1868 and that it was the No.2 gun of a pair.
S2
Sold for £12000
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| 275 |
J. PURDEY & SON
A 16-BORE TOP LEVER BAR-IN-WOOD HAMMER GUN, NO. 11204, BUILT FOR LORD WALSINGHAM
29 1/2-inch shortened Whitworth steel barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about true cylinder borings, mid extension the frame, rebounding bar locks, hammers and left-handed top lever with fine bouquet and scroll engraving and retaining some original hardening colour, 14-inch well figured stock, 6lb. 2oz., proof exemption certificate
S2
The maker confirms that the gun was built in 1882 for Lord Walsingham and that it originally had 33-inch barrels.
Tom de Grey, 6th Lord Walsingham, was born in 1843 and served as Conservative MP for West Norfolk from 1865 to 1870. In that year he succeeded to the estate and title of his father and entered the House of Lords, serving as Lord in Waiting to the second government of Benjamin Disraeli. He is however best known for his prowess at shooting and he was regarded by Lord Ripon as "the best game shot I have ever seen". It was written after his death that "He was the best shot in England, with perhaps one exception, Lord de Grey (Lord Ripon)... those two were a long way in front of all other good shots...it was that quickness combined with accuracy that enabled him in the best company to kill more game than any other member of the party. The late Lord Ripon was quite as accurate if not more so, but he could not get his gun off so quickly". He died in 1919.
Sold for £6500
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| 276 |
H. HOLLAND
A SCARCE 28-BORE SIDE LEVER HAMMER GUN, NO. 3091, BUILT FOR LADY RANDOLPH CHURCHILL
28-inch sleeved barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about 1/2 choke borings, the rounded frame, rebounding back locks, hammers and side lever with fine scroll engraving, lock plates lightly etched with owner's name, "Lady Churchill", 13 1/2-inch highly figured stock with chequered horn butt plate, 5lb. 5oz., nitro proof
S2
The maker confirms that the gun was made in 1874 for Lady Churchill and that it is described as a "new double breech loader, 28-bore with rebounding locks".
Lady Randolph Churchill (9th January 1854 to 29th June 1921)
Born Jennie Jerome, she was the American born English wife of Lord Randolph Churchill and the mother of British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill. Born in Brooklyn in 1854, she was the second daughter of financier, sportsman and speculator, Leonard Jerome. Long considered one of the most beautiful women of the time, she married Lord Randolph Churchill at the British Embassy in Paris on 15th April 1874. The couple had become engaged within three days of their initial meeting, though the marriage was delayed for some months. Their first son Winston, the future Prime Minister, was born that same year.
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| 277 |
STEPHEN GRANT
A .500 (3-INCH) HAMMER RIFLE, NO. 4029, BUILT FOR GENERAL POLE-CAREW
28-inch damascus barrels with file-cut rib, Henry patent rifling, rear sight with folding leaf, the rounded frame, non-rebounding back locks, bolted hammers and rotary underlever with fine scroll engraving and retaining much original hardening colour, action and barrel flats impressed "A. H.", 14 1/2-inch well figured stock with pistol grip, cheekpiece and chequered butt plate, sling swivels, 8lb. 14oz., black powder proof
The maker confirms that the rifle was built for General Pole-Carew. The markings "A. H." indicates that Alex Henry was involved in the manufacture.
Lieutenant General Sir Reginald Pole-Carew, KCB, CVO (1st May 1849 to 19th September 1924)
General Pole-Carew was a staff officer with Lord Roberts in the second Anglo-Afghan War of 1878 and again with him during the second Boer War in 1899. He commanded the 9th Brigade and then the 11th Division of the South African Field Force where he achieved his fame.
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| 278 |
J. PURDEY
A 12-BORE PATENT HAMMER GUN, NO. 7667
30-inch damascus barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about true cylinder borings, the rounded frame, rebounding back locks, hammers and second pattern thumb lever with fine scroll engraving, 14 1/2-inch highly figured stock, 6lb. 14oz., nitro re-proof
The maker confirms that the gun was built in 1868 for Hon. W. Carrington.
S2
Sold for £4200
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| 279 |
ALEX HENRY
A .450/.400 (2 3/8-INCH) HAMMER RIFLE, NO. 6280
26-inch barrels with file-cut rib, rear sight with folding leaf, doll's head extension, the rounded frame, rebounding back locks, hammers and rotary underlever with fine scroll engraving and retaining traces of original hardening colour, the maker's name signed within a scrolling banner, 14 1/2-inch well figured stock with pistol grip and engraved heel and toe plates, sling eyes, 7lb. 6oz., black powder proof
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| 280 |
E. M. REILLY
A 10-BORE HAMMER GUN, NO. 18763
31-inch damascus barrels with 2 5/8-inch chambers, about true cylinder borings, the frame, rebounding bar locks, hammers and rotary underlever with fine scroll engraving, 14 1/4-inch figured stock with steel butt plate, 8lb. 13oz., black powder re-proof
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| 281 |
H. W. EGG
AN 8-BORE SINGLE BARREL HAMMER GUN, NO. 3799
36-inch damascus barrel with 3 1/4-inch chamber, about true cylinder boring, the rounded frame, non-rebounding back lock, hammer and rotary underlever with border engraving, 14-inch figured stock with engraved steel butt plate, 10lb., nitro re-proof
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| 282 |
PURDEY
A 16-BORE PERCUSSION SINGLE BARREL SPORTING GUN, NO. 2669
30-inch round to octagonal three-stage damascus twist barrel with full length ramrod, breech with platinum lines and plug, the hammer and bar lock with scroll engraving, patent external intercepting safety sear and grip safety, engraved steel furniture, half length stock with pistol grip and engraved steel butt plate, 5lb. 9oz., black powder proof
The maker confirms that the gun was built in 1834 at a cost of £29 8s 0d.
Sold for £2200
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| 283 |
RUD BERGER
A BELGIAN 12-BORE HAMMER GUN
29 1/2-inch damascus barrels with 2 3/4-inch chambers, about 3/4 choke borings, doll's head extension, the frame, rebounding bar locks, hammers and top lever with scroll engraving, 14-inch stock with cheekpiece, horn guard and butt plate, 6lb. 11oz., nitro re-proof, bores marked
S2
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| 284 |
E. FLETCHER
A 12-BORE HAMMER GUN, NO. 70097
30-inch BSA steel barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about true cylinder borings, the frame, rebounding bar locks, hammers and top lever with border decoration, 14 1/4-inch figured stock with pistol grip and ribbed butt plate, 6lb. 12oz., nitro proof, bores pitted
S2
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| 285 |
ARMY & NAVY
A 12-BORE SINGLE BARREL HAMMER GUN, NO. 38548
30-inch barrel with 2 1/2-inch chamber, about true cylinder boring, the frame, rebounding backlock, hammer and top lever with border decoration, 13 1/2-inch figured stock, 5lb. 2oz., nitro proof, bore pitted
S2
Sold for £85
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| 286 |
C. HUNT & CO. LTD
A 12-BORE TOP LEVER LIVE PIGEON GUN, NO. 16990
27 1/2-inch Siemens steel barrels with 2 3/4-inch chambers, about full choke borings, the tube engraved "The Championship Pigeon Gun", machined rib and crossbolt doll's head extension, the frame, rebounding bar locks, hammers and top lever with full coverage of fine scroll engraving, left hammer a replacement, clipped fences, articulated front trigger, 14-inch highly figured stock, the fore-end inlaid with a gold shield depicting pigeon, 7lb. 2oz., nitro proof, right bore pitted
S2
Sold for £500
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| 287 |
WILLIAM FORD
A 20-BORE TOP LEVER HAMMER GUN, NO. 18288
26 1/2-inch damascus barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about 1/4 and 1/2 choke borings, machined rib, the frame, rebounding bar locks, hammers and top lever with border and scroll engraving and retaining much original hardening colour, 14 1/2-inch figured stock with semi pistol grip and chequered butt plate, 5lb. 8oz., nitro proof
S2
Sold for £1400
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| 288 |
CHARLES BOSWELL
A 12-BORE TOP LEVER HAMMER GUN, NO. 1907
30-inch damascus barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about 3/4 choke borings, the frame, rebounding bar locks, hammers and top lever with fine scroll engraving around scenes of game, 14 1/4-inch highly figured stock with ribbed butt plate, 6lb. 7oz., nitro re-proof, left bore marked
S2
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| 289 |
WILKINSON & SON
A 12-BORE SIDE LEVER HAMMER GUN, NO. 6645
28-inch replacement barrels with 2 3/4-inch chambers, about 1/4 and 3/4 choke borings, the rounded frame, rebounding back locks, hammers and side lever with fine scroll engraving, the hammers with linked strikers, 14-inch well figured stock with engraved heel and toe plates, fore-end a replacement, 6lb. 9oz., nitro proof
S2
Sold for £750
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| 290 |
ARMY & NAVY
A .410 SINGLE BARREL HAMMER GUN, NO. 13062, CONVERTED FROM A ROOK RIFLE
27-inch octagonal barrel with 3-inch chamber, about true cylinder boring, automatic ejector, the frame, side lever and central hammer with border engraving, 14-inch figured stock with pistol grip, 4lb. 6oz., nitro proof
S2
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| 291 |
W. RICHARDS
A 10-BORE SIDE LEVER HAMMER GUN
31 1/2-inch damascus barrels with 3-inch chambers, about true cylinder borings, the rounded frame, side lever, rebounding back locks and hammers with scroll decoration, 14 1/4-inch figured stock with steel butt plate, 9lb., nitro re-proof
S2
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| 292 |
F. T. BAKER
A 10-BORE HAMMER GUN, NO. 6037
32-inch damascus barrels with 3-inch chambers, about 1/2 choke borings, the rounded frame, rebounding back locks, hammers and rotary underlever with border engraving, 14 1/4-inch well figured stock including 3/4-inch ebonite extension, 9lb. 2oz., nitro re-proof
S2
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| 293 |
JOSEPH HARKOM & SON
A 12-BORE HAMMER GUN, NO. 1216
30-inch damascus barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about improved cylinder borings, the rounded frame, non-rebounding back locks, hammers and rotary underlever with fine scroll engraving, 15-inch figured stock with chequered butt plate, 6lb. 13oz., black powder proof (1868 Rules), bores pitted, barrel wall thickness well below the recommended minimum, fore-end tip missing, stock cracked at the hand
S2
Sold for £160
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| 294 |
J. MACNAUGHTON
A 12-BORE TOP LEVER HAMMER GUN, NO. 514
28-inch damascus barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about true cylinder borings, the patent action, rebounding bar locks and top lever with fine scroll engraving, the maker's name signed within a scrolling banner, 14 1/4-inch well figured stock with engraved heel and toe caps, with old repairs at the head, 6lb. 9oz., black powder proof, bores pitted, re-jointing recommended
S2
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| 295 |
E. M. REILLY & CO.
AN 8-BORE SINGLE BARREL HAMMER GUN
34 1/4-inch round to octagonal three-stage barrel with 3 1/4-inch chamber, about true cylinder boring, the frame, non-rebounding bar lock, hammer and rotary underlever with scroll engraving, 14 1/2-inch figured stock including 3/4-inch extension, 9lb. 9oz., nitro re-proof
S2
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| 296 |
T. BLAND & SONS
A 12-BORE TOP LEVER HAMMER GUN, NO. 8222
30-inch damascus barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about 3/4 choke borings, doll's head extension, plain frame, rebounding back locks, hammers and top lever, 13 3/4-inch figured stock with steel butt plate, 6lb. 11oz., black powder proof, bores pitted
S2
Sold for £220
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| 297 |
A. J. JEWSON
A .410 TOP LEVER HAMMER GUN, NO. 3280
27-inch barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about true cylinder boring, the rounded frame, rebounding back locks, hammers and top lever with border and scroll engraving and retaining some original hardening colour, 13 3/4-inch figured stock, 5lb. 10oz., nitro proof
S2
Sold for £1200
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| 298 |
BAIKAL
A RUSSIAN 16-BORE TOP LEVER HAMMER GUN, NO. N413
28 1/4-inch barrels with 2 3/4-inch chambers, about 3/4 and full choke borings, machined rib and crossbolt extension, the frame, rebounding bar locks, hammers and top lever with scroll decoration, 15-inch figured stock with pistol grip and maker's butt plate, 7lb. 3oz., nitro proof
S2
Sold for £220
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| 299 |
THOMAS HORSLEY
A 12-BORE PATENT BAR-IN-WOOD HAMMER GUN, NO. 1784
29 3/4-inch damascus barrels with 2 3/4-inch chambers, about improved cylinder borings, the frame, non-rebounding bar locks, hammers and sliding top lever with fine scroll engraving, self-retracting strikers, 14 3/4-inch stock with chequered butt plate and 1/4-inch extension, 6lb. 12oz., nitro re-proof, barrel wall thickness below the recommended minimum, left hammer a replacement
S2
The gun incorporates Horsley's patent self-retracting strikers and sliding top lever.
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| 300 |
CHARLES LANCASTER
A 12-BORE TOP LEVER HAMMER LIVE PIGEON GUN, NO. 5454
31-inch barrels with 3-inch chambers, about 3/4 choke borings, doll's head extension, the rounded frame, rebounding back locks, noseless hammers and top lever with border engraving, 15 1/4-inch figured stock including 1-inch extension, 7lb. 11oz., nitro re-proof, barrel wall thickness well below the recommended minimum, in its leather case
S2
Sold for £400
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