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LOT 1407
Very Scarce and Attractive Belgian Henri Pieper
7-Barrel Rolling Block Volley Rifle - Serial no.
256, 30 RF cal., 25 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened
finish, walnut stock. This impressive 7-barrel .30 rimfire volley
gun was manufactured by Henri Pieper c. 1880s-1890s,
purpose built for the professional hunting market. These
were known as “Pieper’s 7-Shot Mitrailleuse,” featuring
a cluster of 7 rifled barrels that fire simultaneously with
a single trigger pull, and a large rolling block action that operates using the lever.
When the hammer is cocked and the trigger pulled, the large firing pin strikes all seven
cartridges at the same time leading to a powerful volley of seven bullets with a relatively
tight grouping. Popular among some market hunters of the late 19th century, volley guns, also
known as goose guns, offered an alternative to the large-bore punt gun for effective hunting
of fowl at extended range, using simultaneously-fired barrels to combine the swarm effect of a
shotgun with the greater range of a rifle. A 7-shot volley from a shoulder arm such as this is
essentially like firing a round of buckshot, but with each pellet being a rifled bullet, thus providing
improved accuracy, range, and stopping power. The concept of shoulder fired volley guns can be traced back to the smoothbore
muzzleloading Henry Nock flintlock 7-barrel volley guns which were used by the British Royal Navy during the Revolutionary War.
Measuring 1 1/4 inches in diameter, the barrel cluster is fitted with a dovetailed bead front sight and a two leaf rear sight, with “H. PIEPER
LIEGE” on the rib and an “E/LG/(star)” Liege proof on the left of the breech. The rolling block action has a one-piece rimfire striker, and
an included removable “moon clip” type circular 7-round metal cartridge carrier. Casehardened frame with light border engraving and
floral designs on the screws. Checkered walnut forearm and checkered pistol grip stock, with a sling eye on the front tip of the forearm,
with casehardened engraved fittings, circular silver inscription panel on the underside bearing what appears to be the Japanese
numerals for “30” (significance unknown), and a smooth steel buttplate. Includes a modern Pelican hardcase. The rolling block action has
a 7-round removable rimfire breech face/ejector.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 75% plus original blue finish on the barrel cluster, 80% plus captivating original case colors on the frame and lever, a few
patches of minor surface pitting, and sharp engraving. The wood is very good, with defined edges, a small crack on the left above the toe area, some mild
dents, light handling marks, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
LOT 1408
Antique Factory Engraved J. Purdey & Sons
Henry’s Patent Falling Block Single Shot Rifle - Serial
no. 9846, 450 Black Powder Express cal., 28 inch solid rib
bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Completed in 1877 according
to page 126 Nigel Browns “British Gunmakers Volume One: London.” Built with a blued steel barrel
featuring a beaded blade fore sight and a two-leaf (one standing, one folding) express rear sight
with silver center lines on the smooth flat solid rib which
is engraved “J. PURDEY & SONS.314 1/2 OXFORD STREET,
LONDON”. The barrel is fitted to the casehardened Alexander
Henry patent falling block action with backaction non-
rebounding hammer back action lock which features a bar safety. The
rifle is marked on the top of the action “HENRY’S/PATENT/A No.103”
and shows attractive scroll engraving with scrolling borders on the action, lockplate, hammer,
underlever, and both tangs. The rifle is fitted with a beautifully figured, multi-point checkered, and
rich red colored forend with engraved wedge escutcheon as well as a pistol grip stock with horn grip
cap, blank silver inscription oval, and a lightly engraved smooth blued steel grip cap.
CONDITION: Very fine as beautifully refurbished, retaining 99% blue
and casehardened finishes, some pits under the forend, light handling evidence,
tiny cracks at the rear of the upper tang, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000