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LOT 1294
Elaborately Exhibition Engraved and Gold Inlaid Moutier Le Page Damascus Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun - Serial no. 333, 10 Percussion gauge, 28 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., bright/ blue finish, walnut stock. Established in
1717 by Louis Pigny, the venerable House
of Le Page crafted fine sporting arms for kings, princes, nobles, and even supplied
arms to revolutionary protestors in 1789 and 1830. The business remained within
a single family from the time of its founding until 1913. This fine representative example features a single bead sight on the concave rib with a full 12 1/2 inch section of deeply
chiseled scroll engraving and the marking “MOUTIER LE PAGE ARQer DU ROIS ET DES PRINCES” placing its manufacture in the period of 1842 to the late 1860s. The chamber areas are engraved with matching deep scroll with platinum filled vent holes. The underside of the barrels are each marked with a “crown/
LB/star” proof and “N333” on the right and “A. 1844” on the left. The number “333” is repeated on the barrel lugs and the receiver face. The locks are engraved with fine leafy scroll with gold inlaid scenes of a fox chasing a goose on the right and a boar on the left. Each lock is inscribed “LEPAGE MOUTIER ARQer DU ROI”. The top of the receiver is similarly engraved with a gold inlaid eagle, and the long tang trigger guard is engraved with a gold inlaid deer being pursued by two hounds. One piece, wedge fastened walnut stock with engraved fittings, fancy bordered broad checkering, and niter blue engraved buttplate with small nipple trap, and gold inlaid bird. Includes ebony ramrod with brass end pieces. CONDITION: Very fine. The barrels have an overall smooth gray patina with some brown spotting, distinct markings, faintly visible Damascus patterning, small dings and nicks, and some areas of what appears to old varnish. The locks and receiver have an overall bright patina with some light spotting, complete gold inlays, and well-defined engraving. The trigger guard has a mix of faded niter blue, some light oxidation, and brown patina, as does the buttplate. The left wedge escutcheon is cracked in several places. The very fine stock has moderate chipping around the edges of the forend, small dings throughout, and well-defined checkering. An extraordinary example from one of the best known names in French arms production. Estimate: 6,500 - 11,000
LOT 1295
Cased Set of Factory Engraved Manton Double Barrel Percussion Shotguns -A) Joseph Manton Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun - Serial no. 10.152, 16 gauge, 31 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured circa 1828. The browned Damascus steel barrels with single bead sight on the smooth concave rib marked “JOSEPH MANTON MARY-LE-BONE PARK HOUSE NEW ROAD LONDON” pierced platinum plugs, and floral scroll flourish toward the breech. The locks are both marked “JOSEPH MANTON PATENT” and display beautiful floral scroll engraving which extends to the hammers, both tangs, trigger guard, and the stylized finials. Highly figured stock with multi-point checkering at the straight wrist showing carved flats and a steel buttplate which has been engraved to match on the extended buttplate tang. The guns come in a custom wooden double gun takedown case which hold wads, cards, a shot flask, cleaning tools, and a powder flask for both guns as well as a glass oiler and a wad of tow. Length of pull 14 5/16 inches. CONDITION: Very good, showing a mix of brown and grey patina on the barrels, silver patina on the other metal parts, and light handling evidence. There is a repaired crack running across the underside of the stock through the trigger guard finial; otherwise, the stock is very good with some chipping and well-defined checkering. The case and accessories are very good. Mechanically excellent. B) John Manton & Son Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun - Serial no. 11336, 20 gauge, 29 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured circa 1838. The browned Damascus steel barrels with single bead sight on the smooth concave rib marked “John Manton & Son Dover Street London”, pierced and engraved platinum plugs, and floral scroll flourish toward the breech on the rib. The locks are both marked “John Manton & Son/PATENT” and display beautiful floral scroll engraving with small game scenes at the rear, scroll extending to the hammers and the stylized finials. The triggerguard shows a a hunting dog and the lower tang a trio of game birds. Highly figured stock with multi-point checkering at the straight wrist showing carved flats and a steel buttplate which has been engraved to match on the extended buttplate tang. Cased with “A”. Length of pull 14 inches. CONDITION: Fine as professionally restored, retaining 99% reapplied blue, casehardened, and brown finishes with minor handling evidence, a few handling marks in the wood, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000