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LOT 168
Massive British 6 Bore
Bemister Marked Doglock Seal
Hunting/Punt Gun - NSN, 6 bore
gauge, 54 inch round bbl., brown finish,
hardwood stock. Lock marked “BEMISTER” at the center. James Bemister is
listed as an active gunmaker out of Christchurch, England between 1823-
1843, with his brother Samuel Bemister taking over the business between
1843-1847. This massive doglock gun is of the type that would have
been used for commercial seal hunting or large scale market waterfowl
hunting in England, Canada, or the United States throughout the 1800s.
With the advent of large scale muzzleloading weapons such as this one,
also referred to as punt guns, hunters could kill dozens of birds with a
single blast. It measures at a whopping 70 inches in overall length, with
a 54 inch barrel and a bore diameter measuring at approximately .90
inches, also referred to as a 6 bore. Birmingham proofs stamped at the
upper left breech area of the barrel. It is fitted with a full length stock with
brass fittings and a wooden ram rod.
CONDITION: Very good with artificially applied brown on the iron with
general aging and light wear, some scattered areas of light to mild
pitting, and attractive golden aged patina on the brass fittings. Stock is
also very good as lightly sanded and re-oiled, with scattered light dents
and handling marks, a few cracks at some of the edges including one
ahead of the middle lock screw, and fine figure. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 167
Behemoth British “C&G” Marked Brass Barrel
Flintlock Blunderbuss/Swivel Ship Gun with
Stand - NSN, 1 1/4 inch cal., 27 1/4 inch round
bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This giant British
blunderbuss dates to around the early 1800s,
and weighs in at over 48 pounds with its swivel
mount affixed. The massive brass barrel has an
approximately 1 1/4 inch bore and flares out to 3
inches at the muzzle. The rounded lock measures
8 inches in length and is maker marked “C&G”
(likely Cooper & Goodman, whose name is seen
spelled out on locks of some other Blunderbuss
examples) above a bee logo. The brass barrel
is marked on top of the breech with two
Birmingham proofs surrounding a “P”. The mounts
are brass. Includes a modern wooden stand and
a 2 inch lead ball (larger than the diameter of the
bore of the gun).
CONDITION: Fine, with attractive lightly aged
golden bright patina on the brass, age darkened
mottled brown and gray patina on the iron lock
with some patches of light pitting, and defined
markings. Modern made swivel mount. Stock is
also fine as re-oiled, with scattered light dents
and scratches, a crack visible on the left
ahead of the lock screw, and defined
edges. Mechanically needs work, as the
cock does not willingly go past the half
cock position when the trigger is pulled.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 166
Brass Barrel P. Bond Flintlock Blunderbuss
with Under-Folding Snap Bayonet and Australian
Penal Colony Inscriptions - NSN, 20 gauge, 16 inch part
octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This blunderbuss has a
brass barrel inscribed “CORN-HILL LONDON” on top, stamped with
London on the upper left as well as “NEW SOUTH WALES”, an engraved border
at the breech end, and an 5 1/2 inch folding bayonet mounted on the bottom and
released by a sliding trigger ahead of the trigger guard. The lock has “P BOND” inscribed at
the center a stepped tail, a frizzen spring roller, and martial engraving. The furniture is brass and
includes a pineapple finial on the trigger guard and classical martial trophies and floral engraving. The trigger guard is inscribed “PENAL COLONY 3.” The stock has a checkered
wrist. The bore is estimated and flares out to about 1 inch at the muzzle.
CONDITION: Fine with an attractive aged patina on the brass, dark brown patina on the lock, and general mild overall war. The revarnished stock is also fine and has distinct
checkering, mild scratches and dings, a few worm holes, and general mild wear. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000