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LOT 1287
Cased Panel Scene Engraved and Gold and Silver Inlaid Benjamin
Sturman Percussion Double Barrel Shotgun - NSN, 12 gauge, 29
1/4 inch solid rib bbl., brown/gold/silver/casehardened/blue finish,
walnut stock. This fine mid-19th century double barrel shotgun features
Damascus barrels with a fabulous chevron pattern twist and bead front
sight surrounded by a gold inlaid star, “--B. Sturman, London.--” signed
on the rib in gold followed by a gold inlaid and engraved scene of a
pair of dogs surrounding a brace of pheasant on the breech end, and
London black powder proof marks on the underside of each barrel. A
gold inlaid foliate design is on the rib extension on the breech plugs,
and the bolsters have pierced platinum plugs with floral engraved
borders. The standing breech has scroll engraving and a gold inlaid
oval inscribed with the owner’s name “T.G. SHORE.” Each lock is signed
“B. STURMAN.” and has border and scroll engraving. The left lock features
a scene with a brace of partridge, and the right lock features a scene
of a dog. Similar dog scenes are also engraved on the trigger guard
and grip cap, and another scene with a brace of partridge is featured
on the buttplate. The ramrod entry pipe, wedge escutcheons, plates at
the nose of each lock and flanking the standing breech, and grip cap
are all engraved silver. The vacant oval wrist escutcheon is also silver.
A grip safety is incorporated into the trigger guard tang. The figured
stock has a checkered pistol grip made in two pieces and a shadowline
cheekpiece. The gun is in its brass cornered mahogany takedown case
with a “B. Sturman/Gun & Pistol Maker/45 Kingsland Road” trade label,
James Dixon & Sons shot and powder flasks, large oiler, Dixon & Sons 1 3/4 oz. double charger, another 1/2 oz.
double charger by Sykes, cap tin, takedown cleaning rod, mop, brush, and punch. Per Blackmore in “Gunmakers
of London 1350-1850,” Benjamin Sturman (b. 1796) was a gunmaker in London operating at various addresses
c. 1832-1867 and was located at 45 Kingsland Road c. 1855-1866.
CONDITION: Very fine with crisp markings and engraving, period refurbished brown and distinct Damascus
patterns on the barrels, bright gold inlays, aged patina on the silver, mostly smooth gray patina on the balance,
some faint oxidation and pitting, and minor overall wear. The refinished stock has crisp checkering with a
horizontal hairline crack visible near the grip cap, minor nicks at the edges, some loss at the breech on the left
under the barrel, scattered dings, and case wear. Replacement left mainspring. Fences dented. Mechanically
fine. The case and accessories have minor age and storage related wear. The flasks are particularly fine.
Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,500