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LOT 3322
Fine Cased Engraved Double Barrel Tubelock Shotgun by W. Peacock of London - Serial no. 60, 15 gauge, 29 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, checkered walnut stock. This rare tubelock shotgun was made while William Peacock was located at 26 Duke Street, Grosvenor Square, London in 1821-1824 (see Howard L. Blackmore, “Gunmakers of London 1350-1850”, p. 155). The Damascus barrels have a raised concave rib with a bead front sight, “Wm Peacock 26 Duke Street Grosvenor Square London” signature towards
the breech and scroll engraving that extends onto the rib section of
the patent breeches. The underside of the barrels are struck with London proof marks and “60,” and the latter
number is also struck on the patent breeches which have inset “WILLIAM PEACOCK LONDON” platinum- lined maker’s marks and inlaid platinum bands. The flat casehardened locks are each signed “W-PEACOCK, DUKE STREET.” The signature on the left lock is in two lines whilst that on the right is in one line, and the locks also feature differing scroll engraving inhabited by monster-heads. Scroll engraved blued mounts with
pineapple finials. The walnut half-stock has silver wedge and wrist escutcheons, a checkered wrist, and a raised cheekpiece. With original brass-mounted wooden ramrod. In original lined and fitted mahogany case, the lid with Peacock trade label, with some accessories including shot charger, pewter oiler and Sykes brass-mounted
copper powder flask. Purchased from W. Keith Neal by Norman R. Blank in February 1963. CONDITION: Fine with a mix of fading finish and gray and brown patina along the barrels as well as 75% of the original Damascus patterns remaining, crisp engraving throughout, 50% of the original case colors remaining on the locks, 80% original blued finish on the mounts, and spots of light oxidation. The stock is fine and has crisp checkering, attractive figure and grain, staining on the right side of the butt, a minor hairline crack visible at the front of the right lock, mild edge wear, and some small scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories have age and storage related wear including some broken dividers inside the case. Tubelock firearms were short lived, especially in England, making this shotgun particularly rare and desirable. Provenance: The W. Keith Neal Collection; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
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Estimate: 5,500 - 7,500
LOT 3323 Cased Engraved John Manton & Son Percussion Rifle - Serial no. 7086, 16 bore cal., 31 1/4 inch octagon bbl., brown/ casehardened/blue/silver finish, checkered maple stock. Serial number 7086 is listed in W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, “The Mantons: Gunmakers”, p. 97, as a single barrel 16 bore sporting rifle dating to 1819 and noting “Flintlock replaced by Caplock Jno Manton & Son Patent.” It was common practice for flintlocks to be updated to percussion ignition with this rifle benefiting from a conversion by the makers. This rifle is also noted as owned by “N. Blank, U.S.A.” The Damascus barrel has a fixed-blade silver front sight, dovetailed rear sight with two additional folding leaves, “John Manton & Son DOVER STREET” signed on top, and a casehardened patent breech with vented rosette engraved platinum plug and scroll engraving en suite with the standing breech, lock, and mounts. The flat casehardened detented lock is signed “JNO MANTON & SON/PATENT” and has a blued sliding half-cock safety. The rifle has a single set trigger. The wedge and wrist escutcheons are silver, the forearm cap is dark horn, and the remaining mounts are blued steel. The maple stock has a checkered wrist and an oval raised cheekpiece. Replacement wooden ramrod with brass tip. In green baize lined fitted mahogany case, the lid with Manton & Son trade label, and accessories including bullet mold serial numbered to the rifle, brass-mounted copper Sykes powder flask, japanned tin of rifle patches and old handwritten label stating “Mr. CLIVE’S/Long Rifle.”, possibly for Lord Plymouth which would indicate the rifle was purchased via W. Keith Neal. CONDITION: Very fine with 85% faded original brown finish and distinct Damascus patterns, 60% original case colors, 75% original blue finish, beautiful dark aged patina on the silver, mostly smooth gray patina on the balance, some light traces of oxidation, and crisp engraving and markings. Barrel with numerous dents along the ramrod under-rib and at the breech extension. The stock is fine with crisp checkering, cracks below the lock and on the left flat, some splices, and general overall wear. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are very good and some light age and storage related wear. Overall, a very attractive cased John Manton rifle. Provenance: W. Keith Neal; The Norman R. Blank Collection. Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000