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LOT 297
Engraved and Silver Mounted H. Hadley Takedown
Flintlock Gun with Gold Inlaid Pedro Esteva Barrel - NSN,
16 gauge, 39 5/8 inch round bbl., blue/gold/bright/silver
finish, walnut stock. This fine silver-mounted gun by
Henry Hadley of London has hallmarks with date
code for 1764 and “JA” for Jeremiah Ashley. The
smoothbore barrel has a blued finish, blade
front sight with silver inlaid “spider” base,
gold inlaid accents on the breech
section, Pedro Esteva’s maker’s mark,
and gold touch hole liner. The barrel may be an imitation
of Esteva’s work, particularly given other Hadley firearms with imitation Spanish barrels but with
Hadley’s own maker’s mark in the place of Esteva’s. The lock is signed “H. HADLEY” among the
foliate scrollwork engraving and has gold lining on the frizzen and priming pan. The mounts are
silver with cast and engraved foliate and martial patterns, and “No 2” on the trigger
guard finial. The stock has relief shell carving around the upper tang. Includes records
from Norman R. Blank’s purchase of this gun from Sotheby Parke Bernet & Co.
on December 20, 1977, lot 236.
CONDITION: Fine with 80% of the original blue finish along with bright gold accents
along the barrel, some fading and minor pitting at the breech, silver-gray patina on the
lock, patches of oxidation, attractively aged patina on the silver, and general mild overall
wear. The stock is also fine and has some small chips at the edges, crisp carving, and
minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Marquises of Zetland; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 4,750 - 6,500
LOT 298
Johann Lobinger Flintlock Sporting Gun with 1726
Dated Gold Inlaid Esquibel Barrel and Carved Stock -
NSN, 16 gauge, 41 1/2 inch part octagon bbl., blue/gold/
bright finish, walnut stock. Johann Lobinger of Vienna is
listed c. 1745-1788 on page 719 of “Der Neue Stockel” by
Herr. The smoothbore octagonal to round
barrel has a rounded silver blade front
sight with flush “spider” base, chiseled designs at the transition point, textured
breech section with gold accents, “Esquibel Ano de 1726 En Madrid” in gold inlay,
Esquibel’s sunken maker’s marks, a gold touch hole liner, and an engraved tang. The
rounded lock is signed “JOH: LOBINGER/IN WIENN”. The iron mounts are lightly engraved.
The side plate is numbered “10”, and “83” is carved on top of the butt. The full-length stock
has molding and very attractive relief scroll carving, particularly at the front and rear of the
cheekpiece. Norman R. Blank acquired the gun from Galerie Fischer in May 1960.
CONDITION: Good with most of the gold remaining, dark brown patina along the barrel, a crack in
the barrel tang, gray and brown patina on the lock and mounts, mild oxidation, light pitting, and
general mild overall wear. The ramrod tip is broken. The stock is very good and has crisp carving
and molding, light scratches and dings, some repairs at the toe, and a chip at
the side plate. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: Galerie Fischer; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 2,250 - 4,500