VISIT OUR SHOW ROOM AT BISLEY CAMP TO VIEW OUR FULL STOCK.

COME AND SEE US ON OUR STAND AT THE BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL ARMS FAIR AT THE NATIONAL MOTOR CYCLE MUSEUM ON SUNDAY THE 14TH OF FEBRUARY.

In this week a fine British military issue 1st Model Pattern 53 Rifle Musket dated 1855, a rare Ordnance issue Lovell's Constabulary carbine bayonet in its scabbard, a British military issue Land transport Corps ‘Gladius’ pattern side arm, a .65” Pattern 42 ordnance issue constabulary carbine 2^nd pattern fitted with Pattern 53 Lock, an interesting 16 Bore British issue Patt 1853 ‘Forage’ shot gun for the Canadian forces, a 12 bore English Side by Side Birmingham proofed double barrelled percussion shot gun and a very rare Russian ‘Gladius’ Crimea war period side arm.

A very rare and fine British military issue 1^st Model Pattern 53 Rifle Musket dated 1855. Lock with light ‘Curled’ first pattern hammer is engraved with Crowned VR to the tail and 1855 TOWER to the front next to crowned broad arrow ordnance ownership mark. Walnut stock of slim first pattern with thin ram rod slit has regulation brass furniture and is struck to the right side with BO broad Arrow next to 2^nd class arm mark and 1860 Pimlico ordnance refurbishment roundel. Three groove Minie rifled barrel with first pattern convex bed rear sight graduated to 1000 yards is struck with Tower ordnance proof marks to the left side and Pimlico refurbishment marks to the top behind the rear sight. First pattern barrel bands and the correct button headed, swelled throat first model ram rod. The first of the reduced bore .577” arms adopted by the British army the P53 was revolutionary both in its calibre and the use of such advanced features as barrel retaining bands and a swivel link lock making it the finest military rifle of its day. The first model rifles were all rushed out to the army engaged in the Crimea where they proved very effective and much more accurate than the P51 .702” rifles then on issue. However the service life of the 1^st model was short as it was quickly replaced in service by the 2^nd pattern with spring retained bands and heavier construction as a result of complaints received from the troops on the front lines. All known examples are dated either 1854 or 1855 with second models already being made dated 1855 making this one of the rarest of the British military arms encountered today. In very good condition with excellent near mint bore, sharp well marked stock and excellent mechanics with much finish to the metal work turning brown with age. A fine example of the first of the rifled arms on general issue to the British army line regiments.

A very rare Ordnance issue Pattern 1840 Constabulary carbine bayonet with Lovell’s lug in scabbard. Triangular section 13” blade with screw retained locking spring marked to the top flat D next to two ordnance inspection stamps. Blued socket with Lovell’s lug to engage with the carbines catch. In its original brass mounted leather scabbard with lip to engage the spring catch of the bayonet to avoid an assailant taking the users own weapon to use against him, the side of the scabbard having an ordnance owner ship stamp below the top mount. Made for issue to the Provost Officers of the army these bayonets fitted on the .65” smooth bore carbines carried by what were the military police of the day and were also issued in large numbers to the Land Transport Corps during the Crimean war. In very good condition with spring catch intact in a very good scabbard with intact stitching. A nice example of a very rare bayonet in its correct original scabbard.

British military issue Land transport Corps ‘Gladius’ pattern side arm. Heavy single edged spear point blade struck with crowned ordnance inspection stamp to the left side and Solingen helmet manufactures mark to the right. Brass hilt with guard of the Roman type Gladius pattern as used on French and Russian arms of the period but unique to the LTC weapon in British service struck with issue number 32. A very handy and usable short sword these were issued to members of the Land transport Corps serving in the Crimea where they would have been useful around camp for wood cutting etc as well as their intended use to defend the user’s wagons while delivering stores to the front line troops. A rare side arm in very good condition with nice clear ordnance marks.

Russian ‘Gladius’ Crimea war period side arm. Brass hilt with Roman Gladius pattern cross guard struck with Russian inspection marks to one side and 1850 to the other. Gladius blade struck with Russian army inspection marks and M. In good condition with nice hilt and markings but with the blade heavily sharpened over the years and profile reduced to parallel pattern. A rare item from the Imperial Russian army of the Crimean war, not in great original order but still a good buy at the price.

A good 11mm Dutch percussion stutzen target rifle by J G ZELLER of Arnhem. Scroll engraved lock with dolphin head hammer and set trigger engraved J G ZELLER te ARNHEM with woodland scene featuring a deer to the tail. Walnut target half stock with ornate steel trigger guard and hooked butt plate is deeply carved with oak leaf in relief with fine chequering and deep cheek piece to the right side next to carved stag in woodland scene. Steel furniture ornately engraved with fine scroll work and woodland scenes with stags and hinds. Heavy octagonal browned Damascus steel match barrel with hooked breach has tangent mid sight and tang mounted aperture rear, adjustable for windage and elevation, the top flat inlaid in silver J. G. ZELLER te ARNHEM with brass tipped ebony ram rod. A fine European target rifle made for the standing rifle matches popular at the time in the Netherlands and Germany by one of the best of the Dutch makers this is a very good quality ornate example with very good deep stock carvings and fine woodland scenes to the metal work. A nice high quality rifle in very good condition with very good bore having a small, shallow ring bulge approx 6” from the muzzle, lovely stock and excellent mechanics.

A very early .577” British military issue 2^nd model pattern 1853 rifle musket. Lock with crowned VR to the tail and Ordnance ownership broad arrow mark is dated 1855 TOWER. Stock of heavy 2^nd pattern configuration with regulation brass furniture is struck to the left side with a Pimlico 1860 ordnance refurbishment roundel and both WD and the old BO broad arrow marks showing this to be a very early manufactured 2^nd pattern made at the time before the change over in name of the ordnance department in Britain. Three groove Minie rifled barrel retained by three spring clip fastened solid barrel bands is struck with Ordnance military proof marks and various inspection stamps. Ladder rear sight to 950 yards of the early convex sided base type as fitted to the 1^st pattern rifles with correct original swelled throat pattern button head ram rod. Developed from the first pattern rifles as a result of reports from troops fighting in the Crimea these 2nd model 53’s differed from the short lived first pattern in that they were fitted with heavier, stronger stocks with easily hand detachable barrel bands and a heavier hammer to ensure reliable ignition. Some of the very early guns like this still used the convex sided rear sight bed of the first pattern, a feature that was quickly dropped on the normal production guns. In good condition with good mechanics, nice sharp stock and much finish to the metal work with good bore. An interesting gun that was made early enough that it may have seen service with the line regiments in the Crimea although the bulk of regiments fought in that war armed either with the P51 or first model pattern 53’s when their smooth bore P42’s were replaced in the early months of the war.

A fine .75” pattern 42 musket by Holland of London. Pattern 42 lock plate marked HOLLAND LONDON. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture has been impressed between the side nails with a large crown by the original volunteer unit or regiment that purchased the gun. The .75” smooth bore barrel is struck with London Proof marks and is fitted with a front sight / bayonet lug. Made for a volunteer unit or possibly for use on guard duty at a large estate or factory the gun is in superb untouched condition. Barrel with most finish turning to blue brown has an excellent almost mint bore, Very good sharp wood with clear marks. A real sleeper this is a fine musket made in the early days of one of the finest London gun smiths who became Holland and Holland.

English Birmingham proofed 10 bore X 2 5/8” side by side double barrelled hammer shot gun. Border engraved back action re bounding locks. Jones rotary under lever round action with steel trigger guard. Chequered straight hand walnut stock with butt extension and ‘Astra’ butt plate with spring retained ebony tipped chequered fore end. Browned 30” Damascus twist 10 bore barrels chambered for the 2 5/8” cartridge. A classic Victorian game gun using the heavy 10 bore round to give extra range and weight of shot for wild fowling or high pheasants. In very good condition with good clean bores and tight lock up, nice figured stock and much brown to the barrels. A nice English gun in the classic style in an off ticket calibre.

10 Bore 2 7/8” double barrelled side lever hammer shot gun by Ward of London. Border engraved back action rebounding locks engraved with scrolls and pheasants in flight. Round action with side lever opening is struck with Birmingham Victorian black powder proof marks. Walnut straight hand chequered stock and key retained fore end. Browned ‘Backside Twist’ Damascus barrels engraved to the top rib WARD & SONS LONDON struck to the under side with Birmingham black powder proof marks. A typical heavy barrelled Victorian wild fowling gun chambered to take the 2 7/8” cartridge which was the Magnum black powder round of its day giving maximum range and power for use on the fore shore with the unusual and desirable side lever opening feature that allowed quicker re loading than the contemporary Jones rotary under lever popular at the time. In good condition with good bores having some light pitting along the length, good mechanical order and nice stock. A good example of an off ticket big bore wild fowl gun by a London retailer.

16 Bore British issue Patt 1853 ‘Forage’ shot gun for the Canadian forces. 1856 dated Tower lock with crowned VR to the tail. Military walnut stock cut down to sporter length and struck to the right side with opposed broad arrow sold from service marks is chequered to the hand using regulation brass military butt plate and trigger guard. Pattern 53 barrel smooth bored to 16 bore size struck with British military tower proof marks and Pimlico refurbishment marks all over stamped with commercial Birmingham proof marks with decorative star burst decoration to the top of the barrel. Rear sight removed and the fore sight replaced with a shot gun bead. Rib with two ram rod pipes to the under side with original brass tipped wooden rammer. Converted from the rifles purchased for Canada by the Tache commission and subsequently converted for use by troops serving in the remote areas of the country these were not official issue arms like the foraging shot guns issued to the US forces at the time but would have served the same purpose of supplementing the troop’s diet with fresh meat. In well used but sound condition with good bore and mechanics, an interesting gun from the time when the Canadian interior was being opened up.

.65” Pattern 42 ordnance issue constabulary carbine 2^nd pattern fitted with Pattern 53 Lock. TOWER lock dated 1855 with Crowned VR to tail and ordnance broad arrow ownership mark to the front. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture has Lovell’s bayonet catch and 1860 Pimlico refurbishment roundel to the right side. Butt plate tang engraved 24 PPS. Smooth bore barrel with Tower military proofs and front sight / bayonet stud. Last of the regulation pattern smooth bore muskets issued to the British army for the use of the Provost or military police dept who required a light handy carbine that could be used either on foot patrol or by mounted men. In good condition with nice clearly marked stock with two small chips to the front of the lock and next to the butt plate tang. Barrel and lock with some even exterior pitting but very good shiny smooth bore. A nice example of an interesting pattern issue arm.

12 bore English Side by Side Birmingham proofed double barrelled percussion shot gun. Scroll engraved side action locks with border engraving. Tiger striped walnut stock with chequered wrist and fore end with iron furniture and barrel retaining key to the fore end. Birmingham proved 12 bore browned Damascus barrels with brass tipped wooden rammer to the under side and break off breach with platinum blow out vents. A nice early Victorian double barrelled gun with fairly good clean bores, nice sharp stock and good mechanics with much original brown finish to the barrels.

A .451" Westley Richards Monkey tail military match rifle with rare 37" barrel. Lock marked 1866 within triangular trade mark to the tail and WESTLEY RICHARDS &Co. to the front under the half cock safety lever. Full length walnut straight hand military pattern stock chequered to the hand and fore end with steel furniture including a butt trap has two barrel retaining bands along with rear barrel key in place of a third band. The stock is relieved under the rear of the monkey tail loading lever to make opening easier with cold or gloved hands and shows the two pin holes to the right side where a prize rifle plaque has been fitted in the past. Birmingham black powder proofed barrel is marked with the major and minor axis of the hexagonal Whitworth rifled bore .450 / 483" and is fitted with a windage driftable military pattern front blade sight and ladder rear sight with platinum line graduated to 1000 yards, the monkey tail lever being struck with the Westley Richards triangular trade mark. A fine rifle made to the highest standards of the day these long barrelled monkey tail capping breach loading match rifles were one of the most accurate rifles of their time being widely used by the Boers in their military patterns and by target shooters all over the empire in this form for use in the popular military shooting matches of the day. In very good condition with nice sharp stock having old repair behind the lock plate, good hexagonal bore and very good mechanics. A very nice military match rifle by one of the best of the English Victorian gun makers to his most successful design.

A fine .577” Snider sporting rifle by W.W. Greener of Birmingham.  Fine quality carbine size lock with sporting hammer is border engraved with small scroll work around then pin holes and is engraved to the front end W.W. GREENER. Walnut half stock with iron furniture including trigger guard with scroll finger grip is finely chequered to the wrist and the fore end and has a single barrel retaining key. Barrel rifled with five grooves of Enfield pattern is fitted with a standing rear sight calibrated for 100 yards with folding leaves for 200 and 300 yards and is struck with Victorian Birmingham commercial proof marks. Snider Mk2 shoe breach with cupped hammer is Birmingham proofed and engraved with SNIDER PATENT either side of the Snider arrow trade mark. A purpose built best quality sporting rifle by one of the best and most famous Birmingham makers made to fire the then regulation service cartridge for sale to an officer or colonial official serving abroad who wanted a good sporting rifle for use on local game where he was stationed but at the same time be sure of being able to get a good supply of ammunition locally. In very good condition with fine bore, Exc sharp wood work, good mechanical order and nearly all the deep blue finish to the metal work. A very nice elegant sporting rifle from the great days of the British gun trade in fine condition.

A fine cased 54 bore Beaumont Adams revolver by Webley. Blued border engraved frame with Adams patent number to the right side next to cylinder safety catch with fine chequered walnut one piece grips. Five shot London proofed cylinder serial numbered to the revolver. Octagonal barrel with rammer to the left side is struck with London proof marks and has dove tail windage adjustable fore sight. In its original blue velvet lined case with 54 bore bullet mould of the Webley pattern, reproduction pistol flask, Dixon oil bottle, nipple key, turn screw, cleaning rod and turned wooden cap tin next to turned bone spare nipple container with a set of original replacement nipples. A late production Adams by the famous Birmingham firm of Webley in excellent condition these big powerful revolvers were very popular with officers of Victoria’s army and saw service all over the empire. In fine condition with 97%+ deep blue finish to the frame and barrel, Exc grips and very good mechanical order in a nice case with good accessories. A fine revolver for the serious collector of percussion revolvers or British private purchase service arms.

A fine .451” Hexagonal bore Best quality Whitworth military match rifle. Lock with Wheat Sheaf & Coronet over W, Whitworth trade mark to the rear is engraved WHITWORTH RIFLE Co MANCHESTER to the front under the safety bolt. Best quality walnut full stock is chequered to the wrist and the fore end with iron furniture and three barrel retaining bands engraved to the trigger guard tang BEST. 33” Whitworth hexagonal bored match barrel with patent breach is struck with Victorian Birmingham black powder proof marks with windage adjustable front sight, barrel mounted Whitworth reversed pattern ladder mid sight graduated to 1100 yards and serial numbered to the rifle with tang mounted rear long range vernier aperture sight graduated in degrees of angle. The most accurate long range rifle of its day the best quality Whitworth match rifles were used by the NRA to shoot the Queens finals in the early years of the organisation and were bought by target shooters and gentleman volunteers of the target shooting movement for use in the military match rifle long range shooting competitions of the day. The Whitworth used a mechanically fitting hexagonal bullet to achieve the fine long range accuracy for which the rifles were know and still perform well in long range matches today with originals being highly prized. In very good condition with fine sharp stock, excellent mechanics and very good hexagonal bore with much finish to deep brown patina with age. A fine best quality match rifle by the foremost inventor and rifle maker of his time Whitworths rarely come on the market today.

£7500

.577/450” British Ordnance issue Martini Henry B pattern MkIV service rifle.  Mk4 action engraved to the right side with Crowned VR over ENFIELD 1886 and off set IV I with broad arrow ownership mark. Walnut stock with regulation iron furniture marked with various Indian army issue and inspection stamps next to sharp RM ENFIELD roundel. Barrel with ladder rear sight to 1300 yards has B pattern ramp fore sight and is struck with Enfield military proof marks. Originally designed as a .402” replacement for the .450” Martini’s in British service the long lever Mk4 was overtaken by events and the army adopted the .303” Long Lee Metford for front line service but the large number of .402” Martinis that had been made were left in store at considerable expense to the exchequer. It was decided to re bore the rifles to the old .577/450” calibre and then issue them to the Indian army where the long lever designed for use in hot climates to allow better extraction would be of benefit and these B pattern rifles were built on the .402” Martini Enfield actions already made at the factory after the small bore project was abandoned. In good condition with good bore and tight lock up, metal work with much blue finish remaining. A nice example of a regulation arm of the British army in India and the last of the line of the Martini’s.

A fine cased first pattern Adams pattern 1851 54 bore revolver. Foliate engraved frame with border line marked on left side ADAM’S PATENT No 8958R with retailers name to top strap DEANE ADAMS & DEANE, 30 KING WILLIAM STREET LONDON BRIDGE. London proofed octagonal barrel. Five shot clock wise rotating cylinder serial numbered 8958R with London proofs and border engraving. Fine chequered walnut grips with shell engraved butt trap. Original green baize lined case with C & J W HAWKSLEY adjustable pistol flask graduated from 3/8 to 5/8 dram, 54 bore mould with R ADAMS 28 NOV 1851 registered trade mark in roundel to the left side next to 54, Nipple key, Turn screw, Cleaning rod, Hawksley oil bottle and Joyce 250 cap tin. This early model 51 Adams has no provision for a rammer the patent Adams ball or bullet from the supplied mould having a greased wad on the ‘tail’ which sealed in the tapered chambers when pushed in by the users thumb. In very good condition with 80%+ original blue finish, Exc mechanical order with fine grips and nice original accessories in a good case. The double action only large calibre Adams revolvers were designed for close fast shooing and were very popular with British officers involved in the many small wars in Africa and India where the knock down power was needed when engaging fanatical tribesmen of the region. A fine set in very good condition from the hey day of the British empire.

£3450

A rare .758” Ordnance issue Pattern 1842 Sea Service Minie Rifled Musket. Lock marked with Crowned VR to the rear and 1856 TOWER to the front next to Board of Ordnance Crowned broad arrow ownership mark and military inspectors mark. Walnut stock with regulation pattern 42 sea service furniture including Lovell’s bayonet catch to the nose cap is struck to the right side with WD over broad Arrow with military inspectors stamps behind the trigger guard tang. 30 ¼” long barrel rifled with three grooves on the Minie principal is struck with military Tower proofs over stamped with sold from service marks and is fitted with sea service Minie ladder rear sight graduated to 1000 yards. Correct ram rod and sling swivels. Converted from smooth bore P42 sea service muskets for issue to the crews of royal naval vessels rather than the Marines who were armed with a 39” barrel rifled version of the P42 around 25,000 of these short rifles were issued. Once the usable smooth bore weapons had been converted by 1852 new weapons were made from scratch to the pattern using the P53 lock and barrel pins rather than the keys used on the converted weapons this 1856 made rifle being one of those new made arms. Despite the relatively large number issued very few of these or indeed any of the British military .701” or .758” early Minie rifles have survived and today they rarely come onto the market. In good used service condition with very good three groove bore, nice well marked stock, lock and barrel exterior with light pitting but still having clear military marks. A very rare British military service rifle for the specialist collector.

£3250

7.5 X 53mm Swiss issue Schmidt Rubin service rifle. Blued action with straight pull bolt. Walnut stock with finger grooves to the fore end and various Swiss military inspection marks. Barrel with Swiss military inspection and owner ship marks has tangent rear sight to 2000 meters and two barrel bands. Twelve shot magazine with cut of switch to allow single shot loading while keeping the rounds in the magazine in reserve. The first small bore, magazine fed repeating rifle issued any where in the world the Schmidt Rubin rifle was years ahead of it’s time and was the fore runner of all the magazine fed bolt action rifles that were used by the worlds armies up to the end of the second world war. The 7.5mm cartridge went on to become the basis of the .303” round that was latter adopted by the British army in the 1890’s. In very good condition with excellent bore, nice sharp well marked stock and military blue finish, a very nice example of a very historic and interesting weapon, Choice of 4 rifles available.

.320” ‘British Bulldog’ type six shot pocket revolver made in Liege. Solid blued frame with side loading gate struck with Belgian proof marks and ejector rod to the right hand side. Six shot fluted cylinder, chequered walnut grips. Octagonal rifled barrel with fore sight. A typical small calibre self defence weapon made for the English marked by the Liege trade. In good re finished condition with good bore and mechanics (Trigger return spring weak). A nice little pistol at a good price.

Scarce Ordnance issue Martini Henry Mk4 ‘A’ Pattern service rifle by Enfield. Mk4 action marked to the right side with Crowned VR over ENFIELD 1887 with ordnance ownership mark and IV over 1^st class arms mark. Walnut stock with regulation steel furniture Inc long Mk4 lever and Mk4 clearing rod is struck to the right side with Enfield roundel and various Indian army issue marks. Barrel struck with Enfield military proof marks of ‘A’ pattern with shortened knox form from conversion to .450/577” calibre and fore sight to take either socket or Yatagan bayonet unlike the B and C patterns that had a ramp sight to take only the Yatagan sword bayonet. Ladder rear sight to 1300 yards. When the British army adopted the .303” Lee Metford rifle the ordnance had already produced several thousand .402” Martini Enfield service rifles which were now converted to take the standard .450/577” round, the barrels were shortened at the breach end to allow the new chamber to be cut and were re bored to .450” calibre, cut with the old Henry rifling while the short range battle sight of the Enfield was removed from the knox form and the dovetail base filled with a blanking plate. A new action was fitted and the wooden furniture used as made for the Martini Enfield. In good condition with very good bore and mechanics, well marked stock and much original finish to the metal work, rarest of the Mk4’s these A pattern rifles are the only remains of the abortive .402” Enfield’s that were to become the standard issue rifle of the British army had the development of the small bore magazine rifle not over taken events.

A fine .32” Long rim fire heavy barrel take down Stevens ‘Buggy rifle’. Case hardened Stevens rolling block single shot action with external hammer has barrel locking screw to the front under side. Walnut sporting stock with steel furniture has a crescent butt plate. Very heavy octagonal to round barrel cut with six grooves is fitted with a wind drift able buck horn rear sight and German silver wind adjustable front. Top flat behind the rear sight roll engraved J. STEVENS A. & T. CO – CHICOPEE FALLS, MASS. U.S.A. PAT. APR. 17 94. And to the left upper flat 32. LONG R.F. Called Buggy Guns as they were often carried by farmers on their carts and buggies as they worked to take small game for the pot these light weight and handy single shot rifles were ideal for shooting rabbits, squirrels, game birds and even small deer at close ranges. This is an unusual rifle in the heavy barrel it is fitted with to give better than normal long range performance and the take down feature that allows the rifle to be stored in a case half the normal length for one of these weapons for travelling. In fine condition with nice sharp stock, frame with nearly all the original case hardening present and 95% original deep factory blue to the barrel and matching numbers. These were working guns used by ranchers and farmers and it is rare to find one in such good condition a nice find for the serious American arms collector.

.43” Egyptian Remington Rolling block short rifle. Egyptian pattern iron rolling block frame. Walnut stock with regulation iron furniture including two barrel bands is struck to the left side with a feint Egyptian military issue roundel. Barrel marked .43E to the left side is fitted with a ladder rear sight and block front. A very strong action the Remington rolling block was well suited to handle the most powerful military rounds of the day and was widely used both in South America, the Scandinavian countries and the Middle East where the simple reliability of the arm made it very popular with the regions armies. The Egyptians adopted the Remington in their own bottle necked .43” round that was similar in performance to the German Mauser 11mm and issued both full length 3 band infantry rifles and the short two band rifle such as this one. In good used condition with good bore, some scattered pitting to the exterior and nice stock with one small chip to the left rear.

A large English 54 bore turn off percussion pocket pistol with concealed trigger. Box lock action with scroll engraving to the side plates with folding trigger and dolphin head hammer. Finely chequered walnut bag grip with un marked white metal escutcheon to the rear. Birmingham proofed turn off 54 bore smooth bore barrel with key wedge to the under side. Pocket pistols of this pattern are unusual in such a large form as this and it certainly would have been a very effective self defence weapon for a gentleman at short ranges. In good condition with nice grip, good mechanical order and metal work with much finish to pleasant blue, brown.

A rare and early .577” Pritchett Pattern 53 short rifle with key retained barrel. Carbine size lock of patt 53 type with swivel link is engraved R T PRITCHETT. Walnut stock with iron furniture including two ram rod pipes and two barrel retaining keys. Butt plate tang engraved 62. Three groove rifled barrel with break off breach is engraved LONDON with London commercial proofs on the under side. Ladder rear sight to 1000 yards. An early transitional gun this P53 or fore runner of the pattern 56 retains many features of the Patt 51 Minie rifle with it’s ram rod pipes and barrel keys but also incorporates the lock, rear sight and reduced calibre of the P53 as well as the desirable break off breach common on high quality sporting rifles of the time. In Exc over all condition with very good stock, metal work retaining much original blue and good bore. A fine early small bore Minie rifle by a famous London maker made to the most advanced pattern of the time for a volunteer soldier or target shooter.

11mm Italian M1870/87 Vetterli-Vitali service rifle made for the ‘Tiro a Segno Nazionale’ state shooting organisation. Swiss designed Vetterli bolt action with magazine cut off adapted to take the Vitali magazine conversion with safety catch to the right side. Walnut stock with regulation steel furniture is struck to the right side with Italian issue roundel and unit markings. Barrel with large tangent rear sight graduated to 1800 meters is marked to the Knox form with TORINO 1890 with Italian military proof marks and the crossed rifle symbol of the ‘Tiro a Segno Nazionale’ the Italian NRA of the day. These rifles were made to special order for the organisation and were carefully inspected during manufacture so as to ensure the most accurate rifles possible for use in the service rifle matches that were staged across Italy. In good condition with very good bore, nice well marked stock and good mechanical order. A rare military rifle with interesting history to it.

.310” Cadet ‘The Deer Stalker’ take down Martini sporting rifle with detachable lock retailed by R B Rodda of Calcutta. Martini small frame Francotte detachable lock action with cocking indicator to the right side of the block has a cleaning hole in the rear of the action to allow the barrel to be cleaned from the rear once the action is removed. Right side of the frame has the action / barrel take down lever to the front the left side is engraved with a wood land scene featuring a stag and engraved THE DEER STALKER R.B. RODDA & Co CALCUTTA next to Francotte trade mark in roundel. Walnut stock with steel furniture is chequered at the wrist and to the fore end. Octagonal barrel with standing rear sight calibrated for 100 yards has two folding leaves for 200 and 300 yards with calibre .310” marked to the right side flat and bead fore sight to the front. Made by the Liege manufacturers Francotte for sale through the biggest of the Victorian gun dealers in India this little martini would have been sold to a British officer or colonial official for small game shooting and would have been effective on most of the local species up to and including small deer at short ranges with the take down barrel making it a handy rifle to store and transport in a trunk or suit case. In good condition with good bore and tight lock up with some surface pitting and much finish to the metal work, a pretty little rifle from the height of the raj made to take the popular Australian cadet cartridge that has a fine reputation for accuracy if a little under powered for deer stalking!

£675

8 X 60mm Portuguese issue Kropatschek bolt action service rifle. Mauser 71 pattern bolt action with tube magazine under the barrel has cut off lever to the right side and is engraved G E W.F.G. STEYER 1886 and M1886 with crowned LIo to the centre. Walnut stock with regulation iron furniture is struck with military roundels to both sides of the stock. Octagonal to round barrel with ladder rear sight to 2000 meters is struck with Portuguese royal crown to the knox form and has a windage adjustable front sight. One of the earliest of the small bore black powder repeating military rifles adopted when first issued it put the Portuguese army years ahead of its neighbours and potential enemies who like the British at the time were armed with single shot large bore weapons but the relatively weak action of the Kropatschek was not suitable for use with the powerful new smokeless rounds that were soon adopted by the other European nations and so the rifle quickly became obsolete. They were however an accurate rifle and some saw service in reserve units up to the end of the first world war. In very good condition with nice well marked stock, good bore and mechanics. A nice example of one of the early bolt action small bore rifles of the type that went on arm the world’s armies for the next half a centaury.

Cased .28” Massachusetts Arms Co. Maynard Tape Primed Pocket revolver. Action covered with deep scroll engraving with ivory grips has tape primer mechanism to the right side marked MAYNARDS PATENT SEP 22 1845 with scroll engraved cover. Six shot cylinder with etched floral scenes is manually rotated with the locking latch in the trigger guard. Octagonal barrel hinged at the rear to allow the cylinder to be removed for loading is engraved to the top strap MASS. ARMS. Co. CHICOPEE FALLS. In a blue velvet lined case with brass escutcheon to the lid with small round bodied pistol flask. Made from 1851 up to 1860 in various models only 900 of these early hand rotated cylinder models were made to get around the Colt patent for the automatically turned cylinder. In very good condition and good mechanical order with nicely engraved polished frame and feint blue finish to the barrel A very rare little pistol and a very pretty casing.

.65” Napoleonic war period French Model AN XIII flint lock service pistol. Lock with ring neck cock and brass pan is engraved with French ordnance markings. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture is struck with French ordnance roundel to the left side behind serpentine brass side plate and has iron back strap re enforce. Smooth bore .65” barrel. The regulation issue pistol of the French army during the Napoleonic wars these were heavy, workman like weapons that stood up well to service conditions being fitted with a ‘skull crusher’ butt cap to allow the pistol to be used as a club. In good condition with good mechanics and sharp stock, fully ordnance marked, ram rod missing. A good Napoleonic pistol.

.56” Commercial Percussion Sea Service pistol by F BARNES of London. Percussion lock of converted flint lock form is engraved FRED c BARNES TOWER HILL LONDON. Walnut stock with regulation brass sea service furniture has steel belt hook to the right side secured by the side nail. .56” smooth bore barrel is fitted with a swivel ram rod. Made to the regulation Pattern 39 military pattern of the day by Barnes for issue to the ships company of one of the many merchantmen working out of the port of London at the time. In good condition and good mechanical order with nice sharp stock and good bore. An interesting piece from the hey day of Britain’s vast merchant fleet on which the trade of the empire was based.

French 17mm 1822 / 60 rifled percussion cavalry pistol. St Etienne marked lock (Feint) with heavy hammer. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture and side plate, heavy ram rod with deep cupped face to take point of the Minie bullet. Barrel rifled on the Minie principle upgraded from smooth bore in 1860 is struck with French military proof marks and Mle 1822 to the barrel tang. Classic French military pistol of the Crimean war period the French like the British army often rifled existing patterns of arms to extend their service life until purpose made rifles weapons could be designed and made. In good condition with nice stock and very good mechanical order, good rifled bore and French polished ‘Polly Blanc’ finish to the metal work. Original ram rod. A nice example of a regulation issue French military pistol.

.41” Rim fire Remington model 95 over under derringer. Super imposed barrels with ejector to the left side are marked on the top rib REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION NY making this a third model made between 1888 and 1911. Nickel plate finish with ivory grips. Designed by William H Elliot the model 95 was made from 1866 until 1935 and with a total of over 150,000 being made. A popular and easily concealed self defence weapon the derringer was popular with both law men and out laws of the old west as a hide away gun being made and used until well into the 20^th century. In good mechanical order with about 30% finish remaining and nice mellow grips.

.577/450” British Ordnance issue Martini Henry C pattern MkIV service rifle.  Mk4 action engraved to the right side with Crowned VR over ENFIELD 1887 IV I with broad arrow ownership mark. Walnut stock with regulation iron furniture marked with various Indian army issue and inspection stamps next to feint RM ENFIELD roundel. Barrel with ladder rear sight to 1300 yards has C pattern ramp fore sight and is struck with Enfield military proof marks. Originally designed as a .402” replacement for the .450” Martini’s in British service the long lever Mk4 was overtaken by events and the army adopted the .303” Long Lee Metford for front line service but the large number of .402” Martinis that had been made were left in store at considerable expense to the exchequer. It was decided to re bore the rifles to the old .577/450” calibre and then issue them to the Indian army where the long lever designed for use in hot climates to allow better extraction would be of benefit. Eventually the Indian army required more weapons and these C pattern guns designed to take only the knife bayonet were made and widely issued. In good condition with good bore and tight lock up, metal work with much blue finish remaining. A nice example of a regulation arm of the British army in India and the last of the line of the Martini’s.

£825

A very rare .577” three band Minie rifle to the Victoria Volunteers by Isaac Hollis & Sons. P53 swivel link lock with border engraving is engraved ISAAC HOLLIS & SONS MAKERS TO HER MAJESTY'S WAR DEPT. Walnut stock with rare bronze furniture of the pattern developed for the Victoria Volunteers inc. long trigger guard tang with sling swivel through the rear and the butt plate tang engraved F 477 V.V. Barrel rifled with three grooves is struck with Birmingham commercial black powder proof marks with ladder rear sight to 1100 yards having a gold aiming line inlet into the slider and a dove tailed windage adjustable front sight. Snap cap on chain fixed to the front of the trigger guard in the fashion usually adopted on the two band short rifle. Ordered by the state of Victoria to arm the soldiers of the famous Australian unit the Victoria Volunteers who also widely used the Oval bore sappers and miners carbine these Hollis guns are of a unique pattern combining features normally found on the two band short rifle with the long barrel and the three barrel retaining bands of the regulation issue P53 arm along with features from the target rifles of the day such as the drift able front sight that allowed for windage correction. In good condition with good bore and nice sharp stock with much original finish to the metal work. A rare model of military issue rifle to a famous unit rarely seen on the market.

£1495

.577/450” Martini Henry Mk2 rifle by Thomas Turner. Action with large Mk2 cocking indicator is engraved to the right side THOMAS TURNER FISHER STREET BIRMINGHAM next to Martini entwined M trade mark, left side struck with serial number and MARTINI’S PATENT. Walnut stock with regulation steel furniture. Birmingham proofed barrel with ladder rear sight to 1300 yards is marked to the top T TURNER. Right side of stock with pin marks from a removed prize rifle presentation plaque. A regulation Martini by one of the largest of the Birmingham makers originally presented as a prize presumably in one of the many volunteer shooting matches of the early Victorian age. In very good condition with good bore and mechanics, nice stock and much finish to the metal work.

.577/450” Martini Henry Mk3 rifle by BSA Co. Ltd. Plain mk3 action struck with Birmingham commercial proof marks has small Mk3 cocking indicator. Walnut stock with regulation Mk3 steel furniture. Birmingham proofed barrel struck with BSA crowned inspectors stamps has Piled Arms trade mark to the knox form and ladder rear sight calibrated to 1300 yards. A commercial martini made to the regulation military Mk3 pattern for sale to a Victorian volunteer or target rifle shooter of the 1880’s. In very good condition with nice sharp stock, very good bore and good mechanics. Much original blue to the barrel and action, a nice classic martini.

£875

.577” Ordnance issue third model P53 rifle musket, Tower 1860. Lock struck with Crowned VR to the tail with 1860 TOWER in front of the hammer. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture struck to the right side with Ordnance factory Pimlico roundel dated 1860 with inspection marks behind the trigger guard and V Cw 12 69 to the butt plate tang. Barrel with ordnance proof marks over stamped with military sold out of service marks is retained by three third pattern screw barrel bands and has a ladder sight graduated to 950 yards. Adopted by the British army after the second model with its spring clip retained barrel bands proved to be unsuitable for service the third patterns along with the Baddeley band equipped 4^th models remained the front line infantry rifle of the British army until replaced by the breach loading Snider conversion in the mid 1860’s. Nearly all the Enfield and LAC made rifles on hand were converted leaving only a few Tower marked examples of the muzzle loading third models unconverted today. In good condition with nice sharp well marked stock, Lock with surface pitting and barrel with good bore having much blue, brown finish to the out side. A classic infantry rifle of the mid Victorian age.

.40-60” Marlin model 1881 lever action rifle. Slab sided top eject lever action with side loading gate. Very scarce factory 24” octagonal barrel with buck horn sight marked to top flat MARLIN FIRE ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CT. U.S.A. and 40 cal at rear of barrel. The short 24” barrel was a factory special order for the model 1881’s the standard length being 28” with the shorter and handier barrel becoming much more popular in the latter model 1889 and 92’s. Straight hand walnut stock and full length tubular magazine. The first of the Marlin produced lever action rifles these top eject guns were designed by Andrew Burgess with assistance from John Marlin and were very popular as they could handle big game cartridges up to and including the .45-70. 6261 were made in 40-60 calibre which was a popular flat shooting round sufficient for use on all non dangerous U.S. game. In good condition with nice wood and much original finish to the action and barrel. Good bore and tight action, ejector mechanism missing. A nice clean example of an early lever rifle not often seen on the UK market in a nice old calibre.

.577” Snider MkIII Ordnance issue Cavalry carbine.  Lock with correct flat faced Mk3 hammer is marked ENFIELD 1871 with crown broad arrow ordnance ownership mark and crowned VR to the tail. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture including butt trap has military inspection stamps and opposed arrows sold from service marks to the right side with V LWwC to the butt plate tang. Military proofed barrel with short carbine rear sight is stamped STEEL and is fitted with a locking Mk3 shoe and breach block all fully military marked. Purpose built as a Snider after the stocks of muzzle loading carbines had been used up the Mk3 was the safest and most accurate of the snider patterns. In good condition with very good three groove rifled bore, Good mechanical order and tight lock up. Nice sharp wood with clear military marking, metal work to blue brown finish with age. A nice issue example of a now hard to find pattern.

A rare .36” London Colt navy four screw frame revolver cut for a shoulder stock. Frame marked to the left side COLTS PATENT has shoulder stock screws fitted to both sides and cut outs milled in flash guard to take the stock. Brass trigger guard and iron back strap cut for stock.  Six shot cylinder with feint naval engagement scene. Progressive rifled barrel with brass dovetailed fore sight is roll engraved to the top flat ADDRESS COL. COLT LONDON. A very popular revolver the Navy was adopted by the British army and was widely used through out the empire, the idea of fitting a stock to make a light carbine made it a more flexible weapon and improved the accurate shooting range of the pistol but very few London colts were made to take the detachable stock. In good condition with good bore and tight lock up, metal work to a pleasant grey, brown patina and all matching numbers inc the wedge and the rammer. An interesting and rare London for the specialist collector.

.577” British Ordnance Naval MkII** Snider sea service rifle with New Zealand issue marks. Lock with crowned VR to the tail has an ordnance owner ship mark to the front next to italic 1862 to indicate Liege contract manufacture. Walnut stock with regulation navy brass furniture is stamped to the right side with broad arrow ordnance roundel dated 1862 with military inspection marks behind the trigger guard tang and NZ Broad Arrow 88 632 for issue to the New Zealand Navy brigade. Correct military inspected clearing rod serial numbered to the rifle. Military proofed five groove heavy barrel is retained by two barrel bands and has a ladder rear sight to 1000 yards with bayonet boss to the front right to take the regulation issue navy cutlass bayonet.  MkII** snider shoe with correct cupped face hammer is marked with military proofs and broad arrow WD government ownership marks next to Enfield inspectors marks and is struck to the top ring NZ 88 632. Converted from Pattern 58 Navy rifles the five groove barrelled navy snider’s were issued to the ships companies of Her Majesty’s ships and to the royal marine contingents that served on them as well as the many Naval Artillery units that saw service supporting the army in engagements all over the empire. After service in the Royal Navy many of these Sniders like this one were re issued to the New Zealand Naval Brigade after the British Navy were re armed with the new Martini Henry rifles. In good condition with good five groove bore, nice well marked stock and much finish turning to a pleasant blue, brown with age, very good working order with tight lock up. A nice piece for the British military or Empire navy collector.

£1125

.577” Ordnance issue Second model Pattern 53 Minie rifle. Lock engraved 1857 TOWER with ordnance broad arrow ownership mark with Crowned VR to the tail. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture and three spring retained barrel bands is stamped to the right side with WD broad arrow British military ownership mark next to opposed arrows sold from service mark, correct straight smiths spoon spring retained ram rod. Barrel rifled with three grooves on the Minie principal is struck with Tower military proof marks with sold from service stamps next to various Birmingham military inspection marks and has ladder rear sight to 950 yards which is also Birmingham inspected. An improved model of the Minnie rifle the 2^nd model rifle was developed as a direct result of reports from troops using the first pattern guns in the Crimea and apart from the spring retained barrel bands featured an improved heavier hammer for reliable ignition of the caps and a heavier built stronger stock that was better suited to bayonet fighting. In very good condition with nice well marked stock, very good bore and barrel with much finish turning to blue, brown. A nice early British military issue P53.

.577” LACo. Three band 4^th model pattern 53 Minie rifle dated 1863. Swivel link lock marked 1863 LACo. With Crowned VR to the tail. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture is struck to the right side with LONDON ARMOURY COMPANY 1863 roundel. Barrel rifled with three grooves is struck with London Victorian commercial black powder proof marks, fitted with a ladder rear sight graduated to 1050 yards and is retained by three Baddeley pattern barrel bands. Correct LAC pattern ram rod. Along with the pattern 53’s made at the royal manufactory at Enfield lock the LACo guns are the only fully interchangeable parts P53’s made and are to this day still considered the most accurate of the type being keenly as sought by shooters today as they were by target shooters and volunteers when they were made in the 1860’s. In good condition with nice stock, barrel and lock with medium pitting across the barrel and lock exterior but with excellent, bright near mint bore with very good mechanics and much of an old reblue to the exterior. A nice gun that will make a fine shooter at big saving over the price of a similar gun with all it’s original finish.

.577” Volunteer Tower Marked Snider Mk2* three band service rifle. Lock with Crown to the tail is marked TOWER 1875 with flat faced Mk2* hammer. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture has three barrel retaining bands. Barrel rifled with three grooves is struck with Victorian Tower commercial black powder proof marks with ladder rear sight to 950 yards and Mk2* Snider breach shoe. Made to the ordnance pattern for sale to Volunteers and target shooters of the Victorian age these Sniders were popular all over the empire where service ammunition and spare parts could be easily obtained on the local market. In good used condition with good bore and nice stock. Old service re blue to the barrel and shoe, A nice example of a regulation commercial rifle at a good price.

.577” Commercial Mk3 Three band short rifle by Barnett of London. Lock with Mk3 flat faced hammer is engraved BARNETT LONDON. Walnut full stock with three barrel bands has brass furniture of P53 type. Barrel rifled with three grooves on the Enfield pattern has ladder rear sight to 900 yards. Snider patent breach is struck with SNIDERS PATENT to the block with arrow trade mark and both breach and barrel are struck with Victorian commercial black powder proof marks. Made by Barnett’s for commercial sale to use the regulation army cartridge that was widely available around the world at that time these military pattern Sniders saw wide use all over the empire. In quite good condition with good three groove bore, repair to the stock above the rear side nail and replaced fore end from the second band forward. Good mechanics with much finish to the metal work. A typical volunteer private purchase snider from the days of the Raj at a very good price.

£475

.577” Ordnance issue P53 third model Minie rifle musket. Swivel link lock marked TOWER 1858 with crowned VR to the tail and ordnance ownership mark. Regulation walnut stock with brass furniture is struck to the right side with a feint WD broad arrow next to opposed arrows sold from service mark. Butt tang marked V E19 55. Ordnance Tower proofed barrel with ladder rear sight to 1000 yards retained by three third pattern screw bands. Original round head pattern ram rod. The regulation arm of the British army from the end of the Crimean war until replaced by the Snider breach loader in the late 1860’s the third model was produced as a direct result of troops reports form the Crimea on shortcomings of the 2^nd pattern. In good condition with nice stock and much blue, brown finish to the metal work.

Cased 54 bore Beaumont Adams revolver by the London Armoury Company retailed by FREDc T BAKER of FLEET STREET LONDON once the property of A C HOWARD ESQ. Blued frame marked to the right side ADAMS PATENT with serial number and patent registration is engraved to the top flat FREDERIC T BAKER 88 FLEET St LONDON with rammer to the left hand side. Five shot London proofed cylinder serial numbered to the gun. Three groove rifled octagonal barrel struck to the right side with LAC trade mark within crowned shield. Finely chequered walnut grips. Contained in its original green baize lined case, brass disc inset into the lid engraved A C HOWARD ESQ with 54 bore bullet mould, Sykes patent pistol flask, pewter oil bottle, turn screw, cleaning rod with worm and a tin of Joyce percussion caps. Popular with officers of the British army due to their big bore and fast firing double action mechanism combined with the accuracy of the single action feature these big revolvers saw service all over the empire. In good condition with very good bore and mechanics, metal work with pleasing blue, brown aged patina and a nice case with a full set of original accessories.

£2950

A rare service restocked .75” East India Company Victoria carbine with side action lock and Brunswick pattern furniture (Type 2 restocked in service with type 3 stock and Manton’s furniture, see D F Harding small arms of the EIC Vol 2 page 240). New series EIC side lock with bun nut retained hammer, border engraving and EIC rampant Lion mark. Walnut stock with two barrel retaining keys has swivel ram rod and improved pattern of nose cap and rammer pipe of heavier design than the ordnance original. Side bar later removed in service for use as artillery carbine. London proofed smooth bore barrel of full musket bore (.75”) has standing rear and blade front sights. As originally built the EIC Victoria carbine used a light pattern of stock and Manton’s furniture which proved prone to breakage in service. After the adoption of the Type 3 carbine most type 2 weapons like this were officially re stocked and fitted with improved brass furniture of the type adopted by Lovell for the Ordnance board Brunswick rifle although a few like this example retained their original Manton pattern furniture after conversion. In their improved form the Victoria carbines saw long service in India with most like this having the side bar removed latter in life when they were re issued to the Artillery regiments. In good condition with good bore, nice stock with small chip to the rear of the lock and much original finish. A good and rare cavalry arm of a pattern very rarely seen on the market that saw service with both the Cavalry and Artillery arms of the companies armies in India.

Cased Adams Pattern ’51 double action percussion revolver. Blued frame marked to the right side with Adams patent date and serial number with hammer safety spring to the left side. Top strap engraved DEANE ADAMS & DEANE 30 KING WILLIAM St LONDON BRIDGE. Octagonal barrel rifled with five grooves is struck with Victorian London black powder proof marks. Five shot cylinder serial numbered to the gun is struck with London proofs, chequered one piece walnut grips with steel butt cap. Contained in it’s green baize lined case with Adams marked 54 bore brass bullet mould, Original Victorian pistol flask, turn screw, pewter oil bottle, cleaning rod with worm and a tin of F JOYCE percussion caps. The case lid with DEANE ADAMS & DEANE LONDON BRIDGE trade label in the lid. The first of the big bore quick firing double action service revolvers offered by Adams these big pistols were a favourite of British officers serving all over the world where their massive knock down power could be the difference between life and death being much more powerful than the British army issue Colt navy of the period. In good condition with 99% of an old professional re blue to the frame, nice sharp grips and perfect mechanics with a good set of original accessories. A good example of an early service revolver from the height of the Raj.

£2250

Rare .36” Enfield inspected Egyptian Army contract Colt Navy Revolver. Steel frame with brass trigger guard and back strap, the grip stamped to the left side with British Royal Ordnance factory Enfield inspectors stamp in roundel. Six shot London proofed cylinder with feint traces of cylinder scene that have been linished of in service as is usual with these colts. Octagonal barrel with Colts progressive rifling is struck with London proof marks and is roll engraved to the top flat ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW YORK U.S AMERICA. Purchased by the Egyptian army after the Navy was adopted by the British army for cavalry issue these guns were made at Colts U.S. factory as the London factory had been closed by this date but the guns were all London proofed after import by Colt and then further inspected by the staff at the royal Manufactory Enfield at the insistence of the Egyptian government. They were then marked with the unique roundel found on the grip to indicate they had passed this British military inspection before they were shipped to Egypt. (See Col Colt London by J Rosa page 122). In good condition with very good bore and tight lock up, all matching numbers through out including the wedge. Metal work to grey finish with nice Enfield cartouche to the grip, small sliver out of the right grip that has been repaired in service. A nice and rare military issue Colt.

£2350

English Birmingham made 13 bore percussion muzzle loading shot gun. Scroll engraved back action locks. Figured walnut stock with chequered straight hand grip and iron furniture. Browned Damascus barrels with top rib struck to the under side with Victorian black powder Birmingham proof marks and original ram rod with brass tip. A typical trade gun made in Birmingham for use by a farmer or tenant of the Victorian age. In good condition with good bores, nice figured stock and fading finish to the barrels. A classic English percussion double and a nice decorative piece.

.43” (11.15x60mm) Mauser model 71 bolt action service rifle. Action dated 1876 with numerous German army inspection stamps and makers name SPANDAU under imperial German crown for manufacture at the famous German arsenal. Ladder rear sight to 1600m. Walnut stock with regulation iron furniture and brass trigger guard struck to the right side and behind the trigger guard tang with various imperial German army ownership and inspection marks. The first of a long line of German bolt action service rifles designed by Paul Mauser and adopted in 1871 that culminated in the K98 of WW2 the Mod71 is the fore runner of all military bolt action rifles that armed the world’s armies for the next 70 years. In good condition with good bore, sharp stock with deep clearly struck marks, metal work with much original finish to blue/ brown and polished action. Original ordnance marked ram rod, bolt changed in service. A very nice, sleepy example of an early and now hard to find German service rifle by the most famous of the German arsenals.

.577/450” Mk2 Volunteer Martini Henry service rifle by The London Small Arms Co. Action with large Mk2 cocking indicator is struck to the right side with Martini Logo over LSA Co 1877 with entwined LSA logo above the cocking indicator. Walnut tiger stripped stock with regulation iron furniture has cross pin retained fore end. Barrel rifled with Henry patent rifling is fitted with a ladder rear sight marked to 1300 yards and is struck with Victorian black powder commercial proof marks to the knox form. A standard Mk2 gun made by the LSA Co for sale to a volunteer soldier or target shooter of the Victorian era. In very good condition with nice sharp stock, good bore and tight action with much original finish to the metal work.

.577/450” British Ordnance issue Martini Henry C pattern MkIV service rifle.  Mk4 action engraved to the right side with Crowned VR over ENFIELD 1887 IV I with broad arrow ownership mark. Walnut stock with regulation iron furniture marked with various Indian army issue and inspection stamps next to feint RM ENFIELD roundel. Barrel with ladder rear sight to 1300 yards has C pattern ramp fore sight and is struck with Enfield military proof marks. Originally designed as a .402” replacement for the .450” Martini’s in British service the long lever Mk4 was overtaken by events and the army adopted the .303” Long Lee Metford for front line service but the large number of .402” Martinis that had been made were left in store at considerable expense to the exchequer. It was decided to re bore the rifles to the old .577/450” calibre and then issue them to the Indian army where the long lever designed for use in hot climates to allow better extraction would be of benefit. Eventually the Indian army required more weapons and these C pattern guns designed to take only the knife bayonet were made and widely issued. In good condition with good bore and tight lock up, metal work with much blue finish remaining. A nice example of a regulation arm of the British army in India and the last of the line of the Martini’s.

11 X 50R Chilean Comblain carbine. Action marked to the right side with COMBLAIN BREVETTE over liege inspection mark and serial number. Walnut stock with iron furniture and cross bolted fore end. Four groove rifled barrel with ladder rear sight to 1200 meters is struck to the knox form with makers name G. MORDANT LIEGE next to a crowned NC inspection stamp. Designed by Hubert Joseph Comblain of Liege the Comblain was a very strong falling block action with an exposed hammer and was adopted by the Belgian and Brazilian armies as well as the Chileans. The Chilean gun differed from the Belgian in that it used a larger diameter 11.6mm bullet and had a separate lower tang let into the receiver. In good condition with good bore, excellent mechanics and nice stock. A rare variant of the Comblain design that saw service in South America.

£950

.450/577” New South Wales issue Henry service rifle. Back action lock marked ALEXr HENRY fitted to the left side of the gun to allow easy loading by a right handed shooter. Action marked to the left with HENRYS PATENT and to the right WRA&A Co 1871 for manufacture by Wesley Richards. Walnut stock with regulation iron furniture stamped to the right side with NSW and broad arrow ordnance ownership marks next to rack number 72. Henry rifled barrel with ladder rear sight to 1150 yards is stamped to the top HENRYS PATENT RIFLING. Submitted by Henry for the British army trials for a purpose built breach loader the barrel was chosen to be fitted to the action submitted by Mr Martini to make the famous Martini Henry rifle. British demand for the new rifle was so great that the Australian forces were not due to be issued with their new guns for some years and so New South Wales decided instead to order the Henry rifle to re equip its troops with a modern rifle which was available at once the guns being made by BSA and in this case Wesley Richards. In good condition with fair bore and much finish to the barrel with a nice, well marked clean stock. An interesting colonial issue gun and the rifle that was so nearly adopted by the British army of the Zulu period.

£1450

.577/450” Westley Richards Martini Henry service rifle made for the ZAR. Francotte patent detachable lock martini action with internal cocking indicator is marked to the left side with WESLEY RICHARDS under the triangle trade mark and to the right side with MADE SPECIALLY FOR THE ZAR having quick release action pin to the front. Walnut stock with regulation iron furniture has owner’s initials JRS carved into the wood on the left side in the Boer fashion. Barrel rifled with Wesley Richards nine groove version of Henrys’ rifling is struck with Victorian Birmingham black powder proof marks, it is fitted with a ladder rear sight graduated to 1300 yards and is engraved to the top HENRY RIFLING, WESLEY RICHARDS & Co. with date 1897 within a triangle on the knox form. Made by Francotte and built up by Wesley Richards to fill a large order from the South African Republic who were re arming for the up coming war with the British only 10,000 of these rifles were made and delivered before relations between the two countries broke down and the contract was cancelled by the British just before hostilities started. The improved nine groove rifling made these very accurate rifles which made them very popular with the expert Boer riflemen who used them with great effect against the British. In good condition with good bore and mechanics, much finish to the metal work and a nice set of Boer initials to the stock, a good example of a famous pattern of rifle.

£950

Liege made .320” pocket revolver by Fabrique d’armes Theate Freres. Nickel plate frame with chequered grips has folding trigger with loading gate to the right side and ejector rod to the under side of the barrel. Six shot cylinder chambered for the British .320” revolver round struck with Liege proof marks. Ovate barrel with five groove rifling. In its green baize lined wooden box with manufacturer’s trade label inside the lid. A typical Belgian made self defence pistol made for the British market during the latter stages of Victoria’s reign. In good condition with good bore and mechanics in a nice little case.

14 Bore J Blanch & Son of London M/L double barrelled percussion shot gun. Scroll engraved locks marked J BLANCH & SON. Walnut stock with engraved steel furniture including a pineapple finial to the trigger guard plate. Browned Damascus twist barrels struck with Victorian London black powder proof marks. Original ebony ram rod with brass fittings and worm to the lower end. A nice double barrelled London game gun of the Victorian era in good condition with clean bores and good mechanics by one of the most famous makers of the time.

.577” Early British military issue Pattern 53 2^nd model Minie rifle musket. Lock with crowned VR to the tail and Ordnance ownership broad arrow mark is dated 1855 TOWER. Stock of 2^nd pattern configuration with regulation brass furniture is struck to the right side LVRC 53 TG 277 for issue to the Launceston Volunteer Rifle Corps of Tasmania. Three groove Minie rifled barrel retained by three spring clip fastened solid barrel bands is struck with Ordnance military proof marks and various inspection stamps. Ladder rear sight to 950 yards of the early convex sided base type as fitted to the 1^st pattern rifles and correct original swelled throat ram rod. Developed from the first pattern rifles as a result of reports from troops fighting in the Crimea these second model 53’s were made with heavier, stronger stocks with easily detachable barrel bands and a heavier hammer to ensure reliable ignition. Some of the very early guns like this still used the convex sided rear sight bed of the first pattern, a feature that was quickly dropped on later guns. In good condition with good mechanics, nice sharp stock and much finish to the metal work with good bore. An interesting gun that was made early enough that it may have just seen service in the Crimea with the British army before being later re issued to the Australian volunteer forces when the British adopted the interchangeable Enfield and then the  Snider.

£1150

.450/577” British military issue Mk2 Martini Henry service rifle Enfield 1879. Action with large Mk2 cocking indicator to the right side is engraved with Crowned VR ENFIELD 1879 over broad arrow ordnance ownership mark and II. Walnut stock with regulation Mk2 steel furniture and cross pin retained Mk2 fore end. Barrel rifled with Henry patent rifling is struck with Victorian military proof marks. Front barrel band with the bayonet boss ground off (indicating this rifle probably came from France where the law prohibited any military rifle from being able to have a bayonet fitted for many years). A genuine Mk2 rifle made as such at the factory rather than being an up graded Mk1 this was the standard arm of the British army through out the Zulu wars. In good condition with very good bore and mechanics, nice clean stock and much finish to the action and barrel. A nice regulation gun.

Cased .577 2 ¾” BPE Box lock non ejector double rifle by A. HARTMAN & Co. Box lock action with auto safety and cross bolt triple lock action of the Greener type has border scroll engraving and is marked A HARTMAN & CO. Walnut stock with Prince of Wales pistol grip and chequered fore end is fitted with sling eye behind a vacant silver escutcheon. Damascus twist, browned, heavy nine groove rifled barrels with standing rear sight for 100 yards has leaves to 250 yards and base for ladder rear sight which has been removed by a previous owner as unusable with a double rifle! Birmingham Victorian proof marks for .577” Express and ramp fore sight with folding ‘moon’ sight for use in low light conditions. Contained in a red velvet lined leather case with owners initials J.W.M.D embossed in the lid. Made by the Birmingham trade for sale by Hartman who was a dealer in German East Africa this big and impressive double would have been used on all dangerous soft skinned game such as the big cats and on all but the largest of big game for which the big 4 bores still had to be used in the black powder era. In good condition with good mechanics, lock up and bores. Nice stock and fading finish to the barrels in a nice case. A good and rare Victorian ‘Big Bore’ rifle and the only .577” BPE available to collectors off ticket in the UK.

.577” Mk3 three band Snider service rifle by the London Small Arms Co. Lock with entwined LSA company logo to the tail is marked LSACo. 1871 and fitted with the correct flat faced Mk3 hammer. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture has three Baddeley pattern barrel bands and original jag headed clearing rod. Barrel rifled with three grooves has a ladder rear sight calibrated to 950 yards and is fitted with a Mk3 BSA marked locking breach block having been struck with Birmingham proof marks. Built to the regulation pattern for a volunteer soldier by the famous London Company who were also contractors to the board of ordnance. In fairly good external condition with some exterior pitting to the barrel, good sharp wood and mechanics but with an excellent shinny bore. A good sound London gun with a bore that will make it ideal for the shooter.

.450/577” Ordnance issue Mk1 Martini Henry service rifle upgraded to MkII in service. Action with large cocking indicator is marked to the right side with Crowned VR over ENFIELD 1874 and ordnance ownership mark with off set II. Walnut stock with regulation iron furniture is struck to the right side with sharp RM ENFIELD II cartouche over first class arms mark. Enfield military proofed Henry barrel has ladder rear sight to 1300 yards and has correct Mk2 clearing rod fitted. An early Mk1 rifle that would have been issued to a British line regiment it has latter been upgraded to the Mk2 standard at the Government factory before being re issued to another line regiment as a first class arm. In good condition with very good bore. Much finish to blue, brown patina and good stock with a sharp cartouche. Mk1 Zulu war period rifles are today scarce and expensive but the upgraded guns such as this offer a reasonably priced way to own an early rifle that saw service in the empire.

£1150

.577” London Armoury Company 4^th model Pattern 53 rifle. Lock with crowned VR to the tail is engraved LACo. 1862. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture is stamped to both sides of the stock with previous owners name HV SPINK. London proofed LAC marked three groove barrel with ladder rear sight to 950 yards. Original ram rod. Made to the official military pattern by the LACo for sale to a volunteer soldier or shooter of the Victorian age the LAC guns along with those made at the Royal Manufactory Enfield were the only interchangeable parts P53’s made and to this day are sought after as the best shooters of the type. In good condition with nice sharp stock, good bore and much finish to the barrel. A good example of a sought after rifle by the best London maker.

Ordnance issue pattern 1895 bayonet to fit .303” Martini Enfield rifle in scabbard. WD marked triangular blade with blued socket , brass mounted leather scabbard struck with broad arrow WD ownership marks and opposed arrows sold from service stamp. In very good condition in nice scabbard with intact stitching.

.577” Ordnance issue P53 third model Minie rifle musket. Swivel link lock marked TOWER 1860 with crowned VR and ordnance ownership mark. Regulation walnut stock with brass furniture has sharp BIRMINGHAM 1860 WD roundel to right side and stockers name behind the side nails with military inspection stamps behind the trigger guard tang. Butt tang marked V Wm 3 109 for issue to the Westminster School Officer Cadets Corps. Ordnance Tower proofed barrel with ladder rear sight to 950 yards retained by three third pattern screw bands. Original round head pattern ram rod. The regulation arm of the British army from the Crimea until replaced by the Snider breach loader in the late 1860’s the third model was produced as a direct result of troops reports form the Crimea on shortcomings of the 2^nd pattern. In good condition with very sharp well marked stock, good three groove rifled bore, barrel with old re blue. A good P53 from a famous public school whose pupils went on to rule the empire!!!!!.

Cased .31” London Colt pocket revolver. Frame marked to the right side COLTS PATENT with silvered iron trigger guard and back strap retaining approx 50% original silver plate. London proofed five shot cylinder with stage coach hold up scene. Five inch progressive rifled barrel with London proof marks is roll engraved to the top strap ADDRESS COL COLT LONDON. In its red baize lined London factory case with loading instructions in the lid C/W .31” colt pocket bullet mould, James Dixon of Sheffield pistol flask with correct colt pattern charger, nipple key, cleaning rod and tin of W C Eley caps for colt pistols. Built to the same basic design of the Colt navy but reduced in size and bore to .31” the Pocket was one of Colts most popular models of self defence pistol with cased sets such as this one being made for the use of travellers to the far flung parts of the British empire that then covered half the world. In good condition with good scene and much silver to the trigger guard, nice bore and pleasing blue, brown patina to the metal work, all matching No’s inc wedge. Good factory case with all tools, a nice set.

Cased London .31” Colt pocket percussion revolver. Steel frame marked to the left side COLTS PATENT. Five shot London proofed cylinder with roll engraved stage coach hold up scene. London proofed barrel with progressive rifling is engraved to the top strap COL SAMl COLT NEW YORK US AMERICA with brass fore sight. Brass trigger guard and back strap with 50% silver plate remaining and good varnished walnut grips. Contained in a nice green baize lined dealer case with an instructions for loading Colts pistols label in the lid with James Dixon of Sheffield pistol size flask with common top (Spring broken), Colts Patent pocket mould, correct cleaning rod, nipple key and a tin of F JOYCE percussion caps. A popular and handy self defence gun the colt pocket sold widely in England through the factory and later at Colts Pal Mall agency, those being made for the British market being distinguished by their London proof marks. In good condition with good bore, all matching numbers including the wedge, 75%+ cylinder scene and much blue to the barrel and frame with a nice set of accessories. A good set from one of the famous Victorian gun makers.

Cased 54 bore Beaumont Adams revolver by the London Armoury Company retailed by Kavanagh of Dublin. Blued frame marked to the right side ADAMS PATENT with serial number and patent registration. Five shot London proofed cylinder serial numbered to the gun. Three groove rifled octagonal barrel struck to the right side with LAC trade mark within crowned shield and engraved to the top strap / top flat W J KAVANAGH 12 DAME STREET DUBLIN. Finely chequered walnut grips. Contained in it’s original green baize lined case with 54 bore bullet mould, Hawksley pistol flask with common top (Spring missing), pewter oil bottle, nipple key, turn screw and a tin of Joyce percussion caps. Popular with officers of the British army due to their big bore and fast firing double action mechanism these big revolvers saw service all over the empire. In good condition with very good bore and mechanics, 40% original deep blue to metal work and a nice case with original accessories.

.577/450” British military issue Mk2 Martini Henry service rifle by LSA Co 1888. Action marked to the right side with crowned VR over LSA Co 1888 over ordnance broad arrow ownership mark and II with first class arms mark. Walnut stock with regulation Mk2 furniture has LONDON roundel to the right side over MKII and 1^st class arm mark. Military proofed Henry rifled barrel with ladder rear sight and bayonet bar to the front band. A regulation issue Mk2 made by the LSA just before the Martini was replaced in British military service by the LLM, the Mk2 was by that time superseded by the MK3 gun with the hook retained fore end but the military continued to purchase Mk2’s from the contractors as they were in fact cheaper than the more up to date model as made at the royal Manufactory at Enfield lock. In good condition with good bore, much finish to the metal work, fore end cross pin area repaired by the military. A classic British Martini.

.76” East India Company Percussion Fusil with old series side lock type 1, 1840-41. Lock of flint lock form adapted to percussion (EIC A series) is struck with the companies Rampant Lion. Walnut stock with brass furniture Inc the Manton pattern trigger guard is struck to the right side with 14/44 Bengal issue marks. Smooth bore barrel of 11 bore (.76”) calibre has standing rear sight and front bayonet stud / sight. Correct EIC pattern square section button head ram rod. Made for issue to Sergeants of the East India Company’s army in India these Fusils differed from the Ordnance issue sergeants carbines in that they retained the full size musket ball so making the supply of ammunition to the far flung out posts of the empire easier. In good condition with good mechanics and nice stock, metal work with blue finish turning to brown with age. A nice gun and a model of East India Company weapon that was made in small numbers and so not often seen today.

£995

A very rare .31” Allen & Wheelock side hammer pocket revolver. Iron frame with screw arbour pin to the rear and unique trigger guard, loading lever. Five shot cylinder with roll engraved wood land game scene. Octagonal barrel engraved to the left side with address and patent dates ALLEN & WHEELOCK WORCESTER, ALLENS PATENT JAN. 13 1857, SEPT 7 1858. Varnished walnut grips. First of a small series of side hammer revolvers designed by Allen little is known about these rare guns with a total production of less than 1000 guns the delicate mechanism and the trigger guard rammer with limited force to load the balls must have made these guns look very undesirable in comparison to the strong reliable Colt models available at the time. In good condition with good mechanics and bore, nice grips and metal retaining much of an old re blue. A very rare and desirable gun for the collector of early American revolvers or old west pieces.

£1750

A massive .75” officer’s percussion military pistol by Lacy & co. of London. Lock of Lovell’s pattern 42 Musket type and size is border engraved and marked LACY & Co. LONDON under the nipple lump. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture including a large brass skull crusher butt cap and ram rod pipe for the captive swivel ram rod of the normal cavalry pattern. London proofed smooth bore barrel of .75” Musket bore calibre. Made by Lacy’s to the military pattern but to take the full size musket bore ball rather than the usual pistol or carbine .65” ball this huge man stopper must have been ordered by a large and powerful officer who required the ultimate man stopper for service use but was strong enough to hold the gun up on aim! In very good condition with good bore, nice sharp stock and very good mechanical order. An impressive piece from a good London maker made at the height of the expansion of the empire at the start of Victoria’s reign.

£995

A fine .65” Volunteer Paget cavalry carbine by Allport. Stepped flat flint lock with ring neck cock and half cock safety to the rear is engraved with a large crown under the pan. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture and sling bar to the left side has single rammer pipe for the captive ram rod. Smooth bore 16 inch barrel with standing rear and blade front sight is struck with Georgian Birmingham commercial black powder proof marks. Adopted in 1812 the short and handy Paget carbine designed by Lord Paget of Waterloo fame was the primary issue weapon to both the line cavalry regiments and the many volunteer Yeomanry cavalry regiments that saw wide service all over Europe during the Napoleonic wars. This example being made to the ordnance pattern by Allport at the order of one of the volunteer units who were raised to defend England from the threat of French invasion. The Paget remained in service until finally replaced by the percussion Victoria carbine in the late 1830’s. In very good condition with fine sharp stock, vey good bore and excellent mechanical order. A fine example of one of the rarest of the flint lock cavalry arms used by the British through out the Napoleonic wars.

£2750

11mm French issue Gras Artillery carbine. Single shot bolt action engraved to the left side with ‘Tulle’ French arsenal manufacturing marks next to Mle 1874. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture to include two spring retained brass barrel bands. Barrel with ladder rear sight (Leaf missing) to 1100 meters has bayonet bar to the front right and is dated 1882. One of the series of regulation Gras designed arms adopted by the French Army in the 1870’s these were in effect centre fire versions of the previous needle fire Chassepot service rifle but they gave good service for many years, most famously being used by the French Foreign Legion in the north African wars of the period. In good condition with nice stock and good mechanics, fair bore and metal with much original blue finish turning to brown. An interesting rifle used by the French Artillery when they were the most feared in the world.

.577/450” Mk2 Martini Henry service rifle by Scholefield of London & Birmingham. Plain Mk2 lock with large cocking indicator to the right side and sling loop to the front of the trigger guard. Walnut stock with regulation iron furniture. Barrel with ladder rear sight to 1300 yards is struck with Victorian Birmingham black powder proof marks and is engraved to the top SCHOLEFIELD LONDON & BIRMINGHAM with TRADE MARK to the knox form either side of a Zulu shield logo. Made by the Birmingham trade and retailed by Scholefields for use by a volunteer soldier or target shooter these trade rifles also saw wide use across the empire being especially popular with the Boers of South Africa who valued the long range accuracy of the Martini design. In good condition with good bore and much finish to the metal work. A classic Martini from an unusual and interesting retailer using the Zulu connection to retail his arms.

Cased 80 bore Coopers patent under hammer pepperbox. Foliate engraved action with COOPERS PATENT to the left side has ring trigger and patent under hammer that fires the bottom barrel as the barrels are rotated. Walnut bag grip with engraved back strap. Birmingham proofed barrels of 80 bore calibre are smooth bored with English Square head nipples to the rear. In its original green baize lined case with vacant brass escutcheon to the lid containing an original steel 80 bore scissor mould, English Victorian shell pattern pistol flask, Tin of F Joyce and Co. percussion caps and a brass and ebony ram rod. A good cased pepper box from the height of the Victorian gun trade by a famous maker in a nice case with good accessories.

£1250

.577” London Armoury Co. Mk3 three band Snider target rifle. Lock with Crowned VR to the tail is engraved 1862 over LACo. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture is chequered to the fore end and wrist being struck to the right side with LONDON ARMOURY JAS KERR & Co 54 KING WILLIAM ST EC roundel. London proof marked barrel with ladder rear sight to 950 yards is marked LAC and STEEL. Mk3 locking breach shoe is engraved with Sniders trade mark and LONDON ARMOURY next to LAC and London proof marks with a large number 3. London armoury Enfield’s and Sniders are considered the best shooting of all makes with those being retailed by Kerr, the inventor of a patent ratchet rifling for long range match rifles being made to the very highest standard being the rifle favoured by the top military shots of the day at the Wimbledon and Hythe matches. In very good condition with good bore, nice sharp well marked stock and much finish to the barrel turning to a nice blue, brown colour with age. A nice quality London made Snider target rifle made by the best maker of the day for one of London’s foremost retailers.

.577” Ordnance issue Second model Pattern 53 Minnie rifle. Lock marked 1856 TOWER with ordnance broad arrow ownership mark and Crowned VR to the tail. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture and three spring retained barrel bands is stamped to the right side with WD broad arrow Pimlico ordnance factory roundel struck through with opposed broad arrow sold from service marks and 2^nd class arm mark. Military inspection stamps behind the trigger guard tang and correct swollen throat pattern ram rod, butt plate tang engraved V Ab2 57. Barrel rifled with three grooves on the Minnie principal is struck with Tower military proof marks next to Pimlico ordnance factory refurbishment marks and has ladder rear sight to 950 yards. An improved model of the Minnie rifle the 2^nd model rifle was developed as a direct result of reports from troops using the first pattern guns in the Crimea and apart from the spring retained barrel bands featured an improved heavier hammer for reliable ignition of the caps and a heavier built stronger stock that was better suited to bayonet fighting. In very good condition with nice well marked stock, good bore and barrel with much blue finish turning to brown with age. An early second model military issue rifle of the type that saw service at the end of the Crimean war.

£1100

A very nice .36” Hartford Colt Navy Revolver. Steel action with brass trigger guard and back strap is struck to the left side COLTS PATENT. Six shot cylinder with clear naval engagement scene. Octagonal barrel with progressive rifling is roll engraved to the top flat ADDRESS COL SAMl COLT NEW YORK U.S. AMERICA. Designed by Colt to fill the demand for a smaller calibre holster gun for those who did not need the massive dragoon and walker Colts the Navy soon became the most popular of Colt’s revolvers and remained in production right up until the advent of the breach loading revolver seeing wide use across the west of America and even issue to British cavalry regiments in the Crimea. In very good condition with excellent bore, barrel with 50%+ original blue finish and traces of colour to the frame. Very good walnut grips and excellent mechanical order. A fine example of a famous gun.

£2350

An iron barrelled flint lock blunderbuss by Richardson with spring bayonet. Carbine size flint lock with elegant swan neck cock marked under the pan RICHARDSON. Walnut stock with tastefully engraved brass furniture including trigger guard with pineapple finial. Heavy octagonal to round iron barrel with bell mouth is struck with Birmingham Victorian black powder proof marks with thumb catch to the tang to release the triangular sprung loaded bayonet that sits on top of the barrel. Designed to intimidate an attacker with the massive diameter muzzle as much as injure them the blunderbuss was a popular weapon loaded with a heavy charge of buck shot and were widely used for self defence for houses as well as the classic image of the stage coach guard facing highway men on the roads of Victorian England. In very good condition with good bore, nice sharp stock, good mechanics and much finish to the metal work. A classic gun from the flint lock age in fine condition.

.577/450” Francotte pattern Martini Henry service rifle with detachable lock. Francotte large frame action with patent detachable lock of the type used on the ZAR Martinis made for Wesley Richards. Walnut stock with brass butt plate and steel barrel bands, sling swivels and MH pattern clearing rod. Henry rifled barrel with ladder rear sight  and knox form of the pattern used by the German manufacturer Witten. Metal and wood work with various Indian script markings. Made in Liege and possibly finished in Germany for sale to an Indian militia unit or local potentate this is an interesting gun and a variant of the Martini patent that I have not seen before. In fairly good condition with good bore and mechanics, Wood cleaned over and fading finish to the metal work. An nice interesting gun for the military collector at a reasonable price.

A rare service restocked .75” East India Company Victoria carbine with side action lock and Brunswick pattern furniture (Type 2 restocked in service with type 3 stock and furniture, see D F Harding small arms of the EIC Vol 2 page 240). New series EIC side lock with bun nut retained hammer, border engraving and EIC rampant Lion mark. Walnut stock with two barrel retaining keys has swivel ram rod and improved pattern of one piece nose cap and rammer pipe of heavier design than the ordnance original with Brunswick pattern brass furniture. Side bar later removed in service for use as artillery carbine. London proofed smooth bore barrel of full musket bore (.75”) has standing rear and blade front sights. As originally built the EIC Victoria carbine used a light pattern of stock and Manton’s furniture which proved prone to breakage in service. After the adoption of the Type 3 carbine most type 2 weapons like this were officially re stocked and fitted with improved brass furniture of the type adopted by Lovell for the Ordnance board Brunswick rifle, the distinguishing feature of the re stocked guns being a combined nose cap and front pipe while the true type 3 guns had separate components. In their improved form the Victoria carbines saw long service in India with most like this having the side bar removed latter in life when they were re issued to the Artillery regiments. In good condition with good bore, nice stock having old repair to the under side of the lock and much original finish. A good and rare cavalry arm of a pattern very rarely seen on the market that saw service with both the Cavalry and Artillery arms of the companies armies in India.

£1400

11mm Birmingham made French issue Chassepot needle fire service rifle. Bolt action marked to the left side Mle 1866 and ASHTON BIRMINGHAM. Walnut stock with regulation steel mounts has French military roundel to the right side. Barrel retained by two bands has ladder rear sight to 1000 meters with bayonet bar to the front right side. Adopted by the French in response to the Germans Dreyse rifle it was their first breach loading service rifle for general issue but by 1866 it was already obsolete with the British adopting the centre fire Snider rifle for general issue the same year. Most of the rifles were made by the French arsenals at St Etienne and Chatellerault with a small number such as this one being made by the Birmingham trade to make up the short fall of arms required by the army. Most of the Chassepot’s were converted to centre fire soon after their adoption being re issued as the Gras rifle, many of which were them selves converted at kynochs works in Birmingham. In fair condition with some pitting to the Polly blanc exterior finish, front of cocking piece ground to allow bolt to open with out being manually cocked, missing it’s pin but retaining the original rubber obturating ring. Fair bore and original cleaning rod. An interesting British made gun for one of the Major European powers armies.

.577/450” Martini Henry MkII service rifle by BSA&M Co 1887. Action marked to the right side with crowned VR over BSA&M Co 1887 II with broad arrow government owner ship mark. Walnut stock with regulation steel furniture has FORT WILLIAM ARSENAL roundel to the right side over second class arms mark and November 1894 armourers inspection stamp. Military proof marked barrel with ladder rear sight to 1100 yards is Henry rifled. These rare late dated Mk2 rifles from the 1880’s were made after the adoption of the Mk3 and were put together for a Government contract using unfinished forgings and barrels that were left in stock after the Government pattern was officially changed to the Mk3 standard and would other wise have been scrap. In good condition with nice stock and much original blue to the metal work. Very good bore and mechanical order, a nice service martini from the days of the British empire by one of the major Birmingham makers that saw service with both the British army and the British army in India.

.451” Wilsons patent breach loading percussion sporting match rifle by J W EDGE. Lock with half cock safety is engraved J W EDGE to the front with border line engraving and bolt lock to the rear with hammer cut out to prevent the breach opening when the rifle is at half or full cock. Well figured walnut half stock with chequered fore end and grip has key to retain barrel and dark horn fore end cap with steel furniture and rammer pipe. Birmingham proofed .451” barrel with ladder rear sight having a windage adjustable bar (Slider broken) and Wilsons patent straight pull locking breach engraved to the top with patent markings, designed to fire a paper cartridge of similar pattern to that used in the Monkey tail rifle. Blade front sight and two rammer pipes to the under side. Thomas Wilson was one of the original major share holders in the BSA Company and has numerous patents to his name dating from 1855 to 1868 with the last being for a straight pull rifle of which this appears to be one, it being serial number 22. It was a successful design but not as popular as the monkey tail with its self locking lever and so seems to have been only made in very small numbers. In very good condition with very nice sharp stock, good bore and very good mechanical order with much original finish to the metal work turning to a pleasant blue brown with age. A rare rifle designed to be used both in target matches and for use on game the sporting match rifle was very popular in South Africa from where this one has recently been returned.

£2950

.500 X 3” BPE double barrelled hammer big game rifle by Manton & Co. Scroll engraved back action locks marked MANTON & Co, engraved rounded body with Jones rotary under lever action. Heavy London proofed barrels with full length rib fitted with standing rear sight with one folding leaf for 300 yards. Seven groove rifling. Well figured stock with cheek piece and chequered pistol grip, lever lock retained fore end. A classic Indian big game rifle by a famous London retailer the .500 with its 350 grain bullet and 140 grains of black powder was used on all species of soft skinned game in India and Africa including dangerous species such as Lion and Tiger. In good condition with good bores and tight lock up, much blue finish to barrels and good wood. A real classic Victorian London game rifle.

.450 X 3 1/4” BPE Top leaver hammer double big game rifle by Lyon & Lyon. Back action locks engraved with Lion to the right and Tiger to the left and LYON & LYON. Chequered pistol grip stock with iron furniture and snap on spring retained for end. Barrels with seven groove rifling have full length rib with one standing and two folding leaf rear sights marked to 300 yards and LYON & LYON London address. Top lever hammer rifles are rare and this example sold through one of the most famous Indian outfitters would have been sold to an officer or game hunter travelling to the continent at the height of the Raj. In good condition with good clean bores, nice engraving and nice sharp stock. The 450” BPE was ideal for use on soft skinned game and was also popular in India for use on Tiger and Leopard.

.380 X 2 1/4” Rigby BPE double barrel hammer rifle by Rigby. Scroll engraved back action bolted locks engraved Jno RIGBY & Co. Chequered pistol grip stock with iron furniture and key retained chequered fore end. Rounded small action with Jones Patent rotary under lever locking. Rigby semi smooth bore rifled barrels with full length rib and standing rear sight. A perfectly balanced little Deer or Park rifle made in the proportions of a fine .410 shotgun these small doubles were popular in Victorian times for all species of English deer as well as for use on medium sized soft skinned game for those travelling to India and Africa. In good condition with much blue to the barrels and sharp chequered stock. A lovely little double rifle by one of the most famous Victorian gun smiths, a pretty decorative piece.

A fine Pattern 56 .577” two band Enfield short rifle by Robert Adams London. Border engraved swivel link lock marked ROBERT ADAMS LONDON. Walnut stock with regulation iron furniture has finely chequered wrist and fore end. Three groove rifled London proofed barrel has ladder rear sight to 1100 yards with forward extension bayonet bar to the right front. Made by the famous inventor of the double action revolver of the same name to the regulation military pattern of the day but to a higher quality of fit and finish for sale to a gentleman volunteer target shooter. In very good condition with good bore and much original blue finish. Nice sharp well chequered stock. A nice and rare P56 short rifle by a very desirable maker.

£1495

.565” Australian issue reduced bore Lancaster’s oval bore service rifle. Lock with crowned VR to the tail is marked TOWER 1861. Walnut stock with regulation iron furniture is engraved on the butt plate tang VF over broad arrow for issue to Victoria State forces in Australia and is struck with WGM within a diamond surround to the left side of the stock. Correct brass reinforce inlet into the fore end under the rear barrel band. Barrel with London commercial proofs has reverse mounted ladder rear sight to 1000 yards, bayonet boss with forward extension to take the Engineers pattern bayonet and oval bore. Made for issue to the Volunteer engineer units in the colonies these rifles follow the regulation ordnance pattern except for the slightly reduced bore size which was adopted to increase the accuracy of the rifle at the cost of harder loading if the gun became fouled. In good condition with sharp, well marked stock, thinning blue finish to the metal work and fairly good oval bore. A rare military Oval bore rifle issued to a famous colonial unit.

£950

.450/577” Martini Henry sporting rifle retailed by the Army and Navy Stores London. Action with sporting pattern cocking lever to fit pistol grip stock has a small cocking indicator and safety catch to the right side and is engraved to the left ARMY & NAVY C.S.L. LONDON 11269. Walnut pistol grip stock with iron furniture and horn tipped fore end of sporting pattern retained by a single screw. Henry rifled barrel is struck with Birmingham commercial black powder proof marks and has carbine length ladder rear sight graduated to 1000 yards. Made by the Birmingham trade in the standard military calibre of the day these Martini sporters were very popular with British officers and officials serving all over the empire due to the easy availability of ammo from any British depot unlike the rounds for other specialist calibres that had to be exported from England or obtained in the big cities with the Army & Navy stores being the most popular supplier to those serving abroad. A typical Indian use rifle in good condition with good bore, much blue finish to the metal work, stock with old repair to the front of the comb and worn chequering, a nice and interesting sporting rifle from the days of empire and the raj.

A very nice, untouched Mauser model 71/84 bolt action service rifle by the Erfurt ordnance factory. Action dated 1887 is struck with an imperial German army proof mark and has an all matching bolt. Walnut stock with regulation steel furniture has various military acceptance and ownership marks with all the bands, trigger guard and even the retaining screws all serial numbered to the gun. Barrel with ladder rear sight to 1500 meters is marked to the knox form ERFURT under a crown next to a multitude of proof marks. First of the magazine fed rifles issued to the imperial German army the Mauser has a fine reputation for both accuracy and reliability and was years ahead of the Martini Henry rifle still in service with the British army at the time of it’s introduction in 1884. In very good sleepy condition with fine bore and very good mechanics, much original finish to the metal work turning to a mellow plumb brown with age and a nice sharp well marked stock. Erfurt arsenal made Mauser71/84’s are rarely seen and fully matching examples like this are very desirable for both the shooter and the collector.

An exceptional and very fine .75” W&J RIGBY musket made for the Earl of Rosse. A back action smooth bore musket in the style of the military issue pattern 38 musket, Number one of four guns made for the Earl of Rosse for use by his staff in guarding his estate. Back action lock marked W&J RIGBY, Graceful rounded full length walnut stock. Fine Damascus barrel marked on top flat W&J RIGBY DUBLIN. Barrel channel and inside of lock marked with serial number 1. In superb original condition. Lovely untouched figured walnut stock, Barrel with almost all original brown finish to the exterior. Good smooth bore barrel. A chance to own and early example of one of Irelands most famous gun makers works with a fantastic history to it from the days when big land owners were allowed their own private armies to defend them selves and their property.

£3500

An interesting U.S issue Springfield rifle converted to .577” Snider breach loader and returned to the states as a kit bag special after WW2. Lock marked with Eagle over US dated 1864 and SAVAGE R.F.A. MIDDLETOWN Ct to the front. Walnut stock with steel butt plate marked US has been cut half way along the fore end to fit in a kit bag and retains the regulation steel furniture. Three groove barrel with replacement rear sight is fitted with a Mk3 locking Snider breach which is stamped SNIDERS PATENT with Arrow ‘S’ trade mark. This is the first Springfield we have seen with the Snider conversion as the US army adopted the trap door in preference for its service arm, possibly this gun was made by Snider as a pattern piece for the Americans or as a special order for an American retailer who wanted to base his products on US made guns? The gun must have been in Europe at the end of the war when returning GI’s were allowed to take home souvenir rifles if they would fit in the issue kit bag and so the stocks had to be cut and then repaired on arrival to get long guns back to the states. In fair condition with worn stock, goodish but dirty bore and good working lock and Snider breach mechanism. An interesting gun with a strange history at a good price.

£475

Volunteer .577” P56 Enfield short rifle. Plain border engraved P56 swivel link lock. Nice well figured dark walnut stock with regulation iron fittings and correct ram rod. Birmingham proofed P56 barrel rifled with three broad grooves is fitted with a ladder rear sight to 1100 yards and has a bayonet bar with forward extension fitted to the front right. Made exactly to the Ordnance pattern by a Birmingham contractor who would have been producing for the military at the same time this particular gun would have been sold to a volunteer rifleman who purchased his own rifle for use in the military matches of the day. In good condition with nice sharp stock, good bore and very good mechanics having much blue finish to the barrel. A nice example of a classic two band Enfield muzzle loader, these guns are keenly sought by shooters today who prize their accuracy over the standard three band service rifle.

£795

Cased 54 bore 2^nd model Tranter double trigger revolver retailed by William Moore & Grey of Bond street London. Scroll engraved frame with second model detachable rammer is serial numbered to the right side. Finely chequered walnut grips. Octagonal barrel struck with London proof marks is rifled with five grooves and fitted with dove tailed windage adjustable fore sight. Five shot London proofed clock wise rotating cylinder. In it’s original green baize lined case containing an original pistol size flask,  Adams patent double cavity ball and bullet mould, ebony cleaning rod with worm, nipple key, oil bottle and a tin of Eley percussion caps. Lid with trade label for WILLIAM MOORE & GREY, GUN MANUFACTURERS 43 OLD BOND St LONDON W. The first successful single and double action revolvers offering both accuracy and rapidity of fire along with the large man stopping calibre made these revolvers very popular with British officers and colonial officials serving in the law less reaches of the empire where they saw wide service. In good condition with very good bore and tight lock up with much original charcoal blue finish and nice grips. Good dealer case with vacant brass plaque to the lid with good accessories. A nice example of a cased revolver of the type carried on campaign by the more well to do officers of the army who could afford the best available to them at the time.

.75” East India Company Windus pattern musket dated 1795 by Memory of London. Lock with swan neck cock is marked to the tail with the EIC heart mark under 4 next the date 1795 with Memory beneath an EIC inspection stamp below the pan. Walnut hand rail stock with regulation brass furniture struck with company inspection marks and store keepers in service inspection mark for 1831 showing the musket was still in service some 36 years after it was made. Smooth bore 39” barrel of .75” musket calibre with feint London proof marks and front bayonet stud / fore sight. Designed by General Windus of the East India Company this was a simplified and cheaper to make version of the British armies 42” service musket of the day and once seen by the British board of ordnance was adopted as the famous India pattern Brown Bess when supply problems dogged the army during the Peninsular wars. In good condition for an out of India EIC service weapon of such an early date with nice stock, barrel to pleasing brown patina and strong action to lock. Once one of the most common service muskets in the world nearly all Windus pattern muskets were either scrapped in service or converted to percussion arms in India when sold from service and this is the first genuine example of the flint arm we have ever seen, a must have for the EIC collector or serious British military specialist.

£1750

A rare and interesting British military issue .451” pattern 1862 Whitworth service rifle converted to carbine length by the Boers. Pattern 1862 lock marked 1863 ENFIELD with broad arrow ordnance ownership mark and crowned VR to the tail. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture struck with ordnance inspection stamps has been chequered to the wrist during conversion. Hexagonal bored Whitworth barrel reduced in length to 25 ¾” is retained by a single barrel band with ladder rear sight to 1200 yards marked on the slider for two scales H and C for use with both hexagonal and conical bullets. Rear of barrel marked WHITWORTH PATENT next to Enfield military proof marks and a South African government registration mark from the 1960’s. Originally made at Enfield lock and issued to British troops the rifle has been captured or sold in South Africa where it has been converted to a handier carbine or short rifle length that would fit in a saddle scabbard while retaining enough barrel length to make full use of the accurate Whitworth rifling. In good condition with nice sharp wood, good bore and good mechanical order. An historically interesting gun converted from a very rare ordnance pattern rifle that saw limited issue and subsequently used by the famous Boer cavalry in South Africa in the many small wars with the native population such as the Zulu as the continent was opened up.

£1495

.65” East India company fusil of carbine bore by Nock of London 1797. Lock of medium fusil size with swan neck cock is engraved with the EIC Heart mark under 4 to the rear next to date 1797 with makers name NOCK under the pan next to an EIC company inspection stamp. Straight hand walnut stock with Windus pattern apron has brass trigger guard, side plate and ram rod pipes with steel butt plate and nose cap. 37” smooth bore barrel of carbine bore is struck with feint London proof marks to the breach with bayonet stud / fore sight to the muzzle. A light weight musket of reduced bore for issue to the light infantry regiments of the East India Company’s army and skirmishers in the regular regiments of the line these carbine bore fusils were also issued to NCOs' and were a popular arm in the heat of the Indian sub continent. In good condition for its age with nice stock and good working order, barrel with average bore has much brown finish to the out side. Old service repair to the side plate and some wear to the ram rod pipes. An early gun by the most famous of London makers for issue to the then most famous company in the world.

£1450

An interesting .75” Smooth bore trade pattern 1839 percussion musket built on an Ordnance proofed barrel. Lock of P39 form with crown to the tail is marked TOWER. Walnut stock with cheek piece and regulation brass furniture is modelled on the patt 39 stock but stocked to within ¼” of the muzzle and marked to the right side COOPER & GOODMAN MAKERS BIRMm within a roundel. Ordnance Tower proofed smooth bore barrel with blade front sight. Built on a surplus military barrel by Coopers and Goodman for sale to the general public these trade guns were very popular in South Africa particularly and saw service all over the British Empire in the hands of both farmers, homesteaders and the local militia units raised to keep law and order in the remoter parts of the world. In good condition with nice well marked stock, good bore and very good mechanical order, ram rod missing.

.577" Belgian Pattern 1857 Minnie rifle. Back action lock of regulation French form is dated 1858. Stock with regulation iron furniture inc three spring retained brass barrel bands. Four groove Minnie rifled barrel with serial number 1687 to the barrel tang. Made in Belgium to the French pattern these rifle muskets saw wide service through out Europe. In good condition with good bore, nice clean stock and good bore. A nice example of a classic European service rifle of the Crimean war era.

£575

A very rare and fine British military issue Mk1* Two band snider service rifle for issue to the rifle regiments and sergeants of the line. Lock marked 1861 ENFIELD has crowned VR to the tail and broad arrow ordnance ownership mark to the front and is fitted with correct original flat faced Mk1 hammer. Walnut stock with regulation iron furniture is struck to the right side with an ENFIELD cartouche over 1^st class arms mark. Five groove rifled barrel with ladder rear sight is struck with ordnance proof marks. Snider shoe is marked to the bridge I* with WD inspection stamps to the block. Converted from muzzle loading Enfield rifles the Snider was the first breach loading rifle adopted for general issue by the British army and it was always believed only three band rifles were converted to the rare Mk1 pattern with the short rifle conversions only made after the adoption of the Mk2 standard. However it has been recently established from records that a small number of two band trials rifles were made in fact less than 200 and this is one of those rifles (See Skennerton’s ‘.577” Snider-Enfield rifles and Carbines’ for full details). In excellent condition with most finish to the metal work, very good five groove bore and nice sharp stock with clear markings. A chance to own one of the rarest of British military issue arms in fine condition and very good mechanical order.

£1650

A rare and early .577” Pritchett Pattern 53/56 short rifle with key retained barrel. Rifle size lock of patt 53 type with swivel link is engraved R T PRITCHETT. Walnut stock with iron furniture including two ram rod pipes and two barrel retaining keys. Three groove rifled barrel with break off breach is struck with Victorian London proof marks and is fitted with a ladder rear sight to 1100 yards with a bayonet bar to the front right. An early transitional gun this P53 or fore runner of the pattern 56 retains many features of the Patt 51 Minnie rifle with it’s ram rod pipes and barrel keys but also incorporates the lock, rear sight and reduced calibre of the P53 as well as the desirable break off breach common on high quality sporting rifles of the time. In very good condition with good sharp stock, metal work retaining much original blue and good bore. An interesting transitional pattern arm made by a famous London maker for use by a gentleman volunteer target shooter of the Victorian age.

£1075

.451” Portuguese military issue Westley Richards monkey tail rifle. Lock marked WESTLEY RICHARDS & Co with 1867 in triangle trade mark. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture has Portuguese issue mark between the side nails. Birmingham proofed barrel with correct reversed pattern ladder rear sight is stamped WHITWORTHS PATENT with major and minor bore sizes .451” and .483”, Load guide 70 GRAINS and P7611 Portuguese military serial number. Adopted by Portugal in the late 1860’s monkey tail rifles are rarely seen, almost all the guns being made as carbines for cavalry or sporting use. In good condition with nice well marked wood. Barrel with very good Whitworth hexagonal bore has much blue finish and original clearing rod. A good example of a rare military issue monkey tail rifle issued to one of the major European powers of the time.

£1950

A scarce .577” Enfield Snider three band MkII* ordnance issue service rifle. Lock with correct MkII* flat faced hammer has crowned VR to the tail and is marked 1864 ENFIELD under the ordnance ownership mark. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture and sling swivels is struck on the right side with RM ENFIELD cartouche over a first class arms mark with DC in diamond cartouche on the left side to signify issue to Dominion of Canada armed forces. Correct ordnance marked numbered clearing rod. Three groove rifled barrel retained by Baddeley bands is struck with ordnance board military Crowned TP proof marks and has ladder rear sight to 950 yards. TP marked snider shoe by BSA is stamped across the bridge II*. The MkII* Snider is in fact just a MkI that was made to take the square rim Boxer cartridge at conversion rather than being upgraded in service as were the MkI* rifles and retains the flat faced non locking hammer of the earlier rifle. Both patterns were soon replaced in service by the MkII** with its cupped hammer face to lock the breach closed on firing. Few MkII*’s were made and most of those upgraded in service by unit armourers and it is very rare to find an unaltered gun like this today. In fine condition with very good bore, nice well marked stock and much blue finish to metal. A very nice example of one of the rarest patterns of rifle ever on general issue to the British army.

A rare British military issue .577” Snider MkII** Artillery carbine by Enfield. Lock with Crowned VR to the tail is marked with crowned broad arrow ordnance ownership mark and 1869 ENFIELD. Stock with regulation brass furniture has Enfield roundel to the right side and opposed R’s sold from service mark to the hand. Five groove Enfield rifled barrel with ladder rear sight to 800 yards has bayonet bar to the front and is struck with ordnance military proof marks. Ordnance marked II** Snider breach shoe with correct cupped face hammer. Converted by the fitting of the Snider patent breach to muzzle loading pattern 1861 artillery carbines this model retains its full length wood work and its steel clearing rod unlike the cavalry models that were cut down to half stock on conversion and had the rods removed. Today the Artillery models are among the rarest of the Snider models encountered. In good condition with nice stock and much finish to the metal work.

£925

.43” Mauser Mod 71/84 bolt action service rifle manufactured at the imperial AMBERG arsenal. Action marked 71/84 and dated 1887, Walnut stock with iron furniture. Barrel with ladder rear sight to 1600 meters has imperial German proof marks and is stamped to the knox form AMBERG under a crown. The first repeating rifle to be adopted by a major power the 71/84 continued in service until replaced by the small bore G88 with the adoption of smokeless powder with many seeing service in the first world war in the hands of rear echelon troops and a few even being issued to home guards during the last desperate days of WW2. In good condition with nice stock and barrel with blue tuning to grey brown, very good bore and good mechanical order. A nice regulation Mauser of the Kaisers army.

.75” Smooth bore musket bore fusil by JOHN WIGGAN with  Ducal coronet to the stock. The lock of the pattern used by the East India Co. on their A and B pattern muskets and fusils has a bun nut retained hammer is engraved JOHN WIGGAN and 23. Walnut stock with EIC pattern brass furniture including the scroll trigger guard of the fusil is stamped to the right side with 23 and to the left with a large Crown of Ducal form over F. Nose cap with EIC pattern bayonet spring catch. London proofed barrel with standing rear sight is engraved 23 on the tang. Made by Wiggan to the exact specification of the EIC large bore fusil which he made for the company several of these guns with the large crown on the stock are know to exist, we have over the years seen numbers 3, 7 and 17 with this gun being the highest serial number we have observed and all the guns have been in excellent condition. It is believed they were made for a Duke to arm his servants and ground keepers presumably to defend his estates in the event of invasion from the continent or more likely from poachers and thieves from the local area. In very good condition with good bore, lovely sharp and well marked stock and much original finish to the metal work A nice gun with an interesting history that would warrant further research.

£1150

42” Brown Bess Short Land Pattern musket by MEMORY with WINDUS EIC inspectors mark to lock circa 1775. Lock of slightly banana pattern with swan neck cock is engraved MEMORY (Michael Memory 1749 to 1780 at 50 Prescot street, London, maker to the east India co.) with a crowned W inspection stamp which was used by Windus from approx 1873 to 1877. Windus went on to develop the Windus pattern musket for the east India Company with its 39” barrel which was in turn adopted by the British army as the famous India pattern Bess. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture including four ram rod pipes and shield shaped escutcheon to the wrist engraved 7. Butt plate tang struck with Irish registration mark. 42” smooth bore barrel struck with London commercial proof marks. A commercial musket made to the Ordnance pattern for issue to a volunteer unit this musket appears to have been purchased and inspected by the East India Company although not marked with the company logo. It may well have been purchased from Memory who was a company contractor to make up the arms for a ship that was sailing for India or could have been supplied by the EIC to a volunteer unit in Ireland as it is known the EIC supplied many weapons over the years to fill short falls in ordnance stocks. In good condition with nice clean stock, good bore and good working order. Pre India pattern muskets are rarely seen and this is a nice example by one of the major ordnance and East India company contractors.

.577” Ordnance issue Second model Pattern 53 Minnie rifle. Lock marked 1857 TOWER with ordnance broad arrow ownership mark and Crowned VR to the tail. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture and three spring retained barrel bands is stamped to the right side with a broad arrow and WD over struck with opposed arrow sold from service marks next to 2N EW. Military inspection stamps behind the trigger guard tang and correct swollen throat pattern ram rod. Barrel rifled with three grooves on the Minnie principal is struck with Tower military proof marks next to Pimlico ordnance factory refurbishment marks and has ladder rear sight to 1000 yards. An improved model of the Minnie rifle the 2^nd model rifle was developed as a direct result of reports from troops using the first pattern guns in the Crimea and apart from the spring retained barrel bands featured an improved heavier hammer for reliable ignition of the caps and a heavier built stronger stock. In very good condition with nice well marked stock, good bore and metal with much original blue finish turning to brown. Ordnance issue P53’s are few and far between in good condition today.

£1250

.60” Enfield Pattern 53 rifle musket smooth bored for native service. Lock with Crowned VR to the tail has had the ordnance marks and date obliterated after sale from service. Walnut stock with regulation brass furniture is marked 249. Barrel with feint Enfield military proof marks has ladder rear sight to 950 yards and smooth bore. Made as a rifled arm for service with the British army and latter smooth bored to be re issued to native troops in India after the mutiny when the rebellious regiments were not allowed to be armed with modern rifled weapons for fear of their rising against the British again. In good condition with much blue to the barrel, good bore and nice stock. A good cheap patt53 for the collector or re enactor.

£450

£8500

£775

£1750

£225

.38” Rim fire Colt pocket Navy conversion. .38” barrel with Colt’s progressive rifling has New York address to top flat and filled rammer channel. Rebated cylinder with traces of scene. Brass frame marked 36 cal with good wood grips. All parts except old replacement wedge with matching low serial number 967. In good working order, Metal to grey / brown patina, Replacement loading gate. An early Colt pocket converted to rim fire in the formative years of cartridge weapons percussion guns converted to rim fire are rarely seen on the market.