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EZEKIEL BAKER
A RARE 15-BORE DOUBLE IGNITION FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN, BUILT FOR HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES, THE PRINCE REGENT
33-inch damascus twist barrels with gold lined breech and maker's stamp, engraved "Gunmaker to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales", ramrod with horn tip, gold lined touch holes, engraved tang, the Baker patent locks constructed to cock in unison, frizen springs with rollers, rainproof pans, the half length well figured stock with silver mounts, the steel trigger guard with engraved pineapple finial, chequered grip, leather covered cheekpiece and engraved steel butt plate, the hand inlaid with gold Prince of Wales feathers above a presentation inscription "Gift to My Friend Bob", 14 1/2-inch pull, 6lb. 2oz., London black powder proof
S58
The Prince Regent was born on August 12, 1762, the eldest son of George III and Queen Charlotte. He was crowned George IV on January 29, 1820, having been made Prince Regent in 1811 due to his father's insanity.
When he was only 15 years old, his tutor said of him that he would become "either the most polished gentleman or the most accomplished blackguard in Europe - probably both". During his life he had a great reputation for extravagance - a cause of considerable concern within Parliament during what was a period of great economic distress.
He built up a considerable personal debt and by 1783 owed £160,000. He then undertook a costly extension of Carlton House, London, adding an Ionic portico and redesigned the gardens; while in Brighton he started to build the Royal Pavilion, the epitome of 18th century opulence.
He married Princess Caroline of Brunswick in 1794 and only two years later £600,000 worth of his debts were liquidated by Parliament. This affected the gun trade considerably as he owed Durs Egg £1,837, John Manton £113 and Henry Nock £281.
The majority of the Prince's creditors were asked to prove their claims to the Commissioners of the Prince Regent's Accounts and luckily the gunmakers received debentures payable over two or three years.
At the end of the 18th century, he showed a great deal of interest in the work of Ezekiel Baker, one of the leading London gunmakers, following the success of Baker's infantry rifle which had been adopted by the British Army in 1800. Baker sold many guns to the Prince, including some elaborately engraved silver mounted flintlocks and it appears he spent a great deal of time shooting with the Prince.
In his book, "Remarks on Rifle Guns", Baker illustrates three targets shot by the Prince at Brighton in 1805 using a pair of pistols and a rifle. In 1828 Baker won a silver medal from the Society for the Encouragement or Arts and Manufacturers.
The Prince Regent formed a considerable collection of guns, firearms and armour, many of which are housed at Windsor Castle.
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Sold for £8500
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| Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns |
| Sotheby's, London |
| 13 April 2016 |
| Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply |
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