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LOT 1286
Very Scarce Victorian Era British 1876 Dated Fawcett, Preston & Co. Blakely Rifled Muzzle Loader
RML Mountain Gun - Serial no. 305, 2 1/2 inch cal., 33 inch round bbl., bright finish. Manufactured in 1876,
per the date marking on the trunnion, by Fawcett, Preston & Co. of Liverpool, England. Offered here is a very
scarce British Blakely rifled muzzleloading artillery gun, also sometimes referred to as a Fawcett-Preston rifle,
featuring 6-groove slant rifling of the type designed by British army officer Alexander Theophilus Blakely,
intended for use with special projectiles that have six flanges. Similar Blakely rifled guns manufactured
by this same maker, Fawcett, Preston & Co., are also known to have been imported and used during the
American Civil War. An 1876 dated gun such as this one may have seen use in various conflicts including the
Anglo-Zulu War, the Second Anglo-Afghan War, the First Boer War, the War of the Golden Stool, the Second
Boer War, and the Anglo-Aro War. Marked “No 305” on the left trunnion, with “FAWCETT, PRESTON & CO./
LIVERPOOL” in a circle around the “1876” date on the right trunnion. Blade front sight mounted on the right
center of the tube, with an adjustable rear sight. Mounted on a cast iron carriage, marked with number
“306” on both sides below the trunnions. Includes loading tools. The tube measures approximately 39 1/2
inches from muzzle to cascabel, with a 33 inch inside bore length, with overall measurements including the
carriage approximately 66 inches long by 37 1/2 inches wide by 41 1/2 inches tall.
CONDITION: Fine overall, with smooth gray and brown patina on the tube, with some patches of light
pitting, and distinct markings. Carriage is also fine, retains most of the gray painted finish with some
edge wear.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500