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LOT 3296
Very Fine Cased Game Scene Engraved
T.E. Mortimer Half-Stock Percussion
Belted Ball Rifle - Serial no. 5819, 69 cal., 29
1/2 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/
blue finish, walnut stock. This belted ball
rifle from Thomas Elsworth Mortimer was
manufactured c. 1840-1855 and features
highly detailed scenes of deer engraved on
the lock and patchbox as well as elaborate
engraving consisting of mainly scrollwork
throughout. The octagonal Damascus barrel
has two-groove rifling, a dovetailed bead
style front sight, dovetailed three leaf rear
sight with graduations for 100, 150, and
200 yards; and “T.E. Mortimer Edinburgh
late St. James St. London” signed on top in ornate script with
engraved accents. The lock is signed “T.E. Mortimer/George St” indicating it dates to 1840 or later. A blank silver wrist
escutcheon is on the upper tang. The forend is smooth and has a horn tip. The wrist is checkered. The rifle comes in
the original baize lined oak case with a T.E. Mortimer trade label noting a load of 1 1/2 drams. The belted ball mold
is marked “5819/TEM” and “IMPROV’D/No 16”. A Sykes flask with absent spring and two cap tins are also included in
the case, and the rifle is accompanied by the receipt from when the rifle was purchased by Norman R. Blank from
Arapahoe Sporting Goods in Englewood, Colorado, on July 29, 1957.
CONDITION: Very fine with 90% plus of the original brown finish and distinct Damascus patterns along the barrel,
80% plus original case colors, fading original blue
finish on the mounts and gray patina on
the balance. The engraving and markings
are crisp. The stock is fine and has crisp
checkering, some crazing and fogging of
the finish, a few minor chips, and general
light scratches. A mainspring included
in the case but is not installed, and the
lock detent is absent. The case is fair with
moderate age and storage related wear.
Provenance: Arapahoe Sporting Goods;
The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000 213