Page 287 - 4095-BOOK3

285
LOT 3345
Early Engraved Charles Lancaster Percussion Single Barrel Duck Gun - Serial no. 426,
9 gauge, 36 1/8 inch part octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. This
gun’s serial number dates to 1826-1830. The smoothbore, three-stage barrel has a bead front
sight and is signed “CHARLES LANCASTER. 151 NEW BOND ST. LONDON.” The underside of the
barrel has the serial number, “CL” maker’s mark, and London proof marks. The breech plug has
the crest of the Earl of Ashburnham. The lock is signed “C LANCASTER/London” and has scroll and border engraving as do the mounts.
The figured walnut half-stock has a horn forend cap, multi-point checkering on the forend and wrist, and a 14 1/4 inch length of pull.
The gun was acquired by Norman R. Blank from W. Keith Neal on August 14, 1964. A U.S. Special Customs Invoice indicates the gun was
imported by Norman R. Blank in 1964.
CONDITION: Very fine with 95% of the refinished brown and distinct twist patterns on the barrel, light original case colors, 75% plus
original blue finish, smooth gray patina on the balance, distinct engraving and markings, and generally light wear. The stock is fine and
has some chips and repairs, crisp checkering, attractive figure, and mild scratches
and dings. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Collection of Bertram Ashburnham,
4th Earl of Ashburnham, at Ashburnham Place; W. Keith Neal;
The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 3346
Engraved Purdey 10 Gauge Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun -
Serial no. 4304, 10 gauge, 29 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut
stock. This shotgun was completed in 1848 per p. 192 of “Purdey Gun & Rifle Makers: The
Definitive History” by Donald Dallas. The
smoothbore Damascus barrels have a bead
front sight and “J. PURDEY . 314 1/2/OXFORD
STREET, LONDON.” signed on the concave
rib, scroll engraving on the rib extension,
a platinum band on the breech plugs and
pierced and engraved platinum plugs, the serial number on the underside of each barrel
and on each breech plug hook, and London proof marks flanking the “JP” maker’s marks on
the underside of each barrel. The serial number is repeated on the trigger guard tang. The
flat locks are signed “PURDEY” and have scroll and border engraving. The standing breech
is engraved with scroll and foliate patterns as are the mounts. The silver wrist escutcheon is
blank. The stock has multi-point checkering on the forend and wrist, a sling eye on the underside of the butt, and a 14 1/4 inch length of pull. The
front sling eye is on the middle ramrod ferrule. The gun has an ebonized wood ramrod with a
covered worm and flared tip. Accompanied by a U.S. Customs invoice from April 14, 1964.
CONDITION: Very fine with 75% plus of the older re-browned finish on the barrels along with
corrosion and pitting concentrated at the muzzles, light original case colors on the locks, 70%
original blue finish on the trigger guard and buttplate, silver-gray patina on the balance, crisp
engraving and markings, and generally mild age and storage related wear. The re-varnished stock
is fine and has mostly crisp checkering, a few faint cracks, and mild dents and scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Collection of the Earls of Plymouth; W. Keith Neal; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,500