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LOT 1311
Engraved and Gold Inlaid Early 18th Century
British Side Swing Breech Loading Flintlock Cartridge Sporting Gun - NSN, 65 cal., 29 inch part octagon bbl.,
bright finish, walnut stock. This is certainly a rare example of an early 18th century breech loading flintlock
cartridge sporting gun with no visible maker marks, although it
appears to have had them at one time, and sharing strong similarities
with LOT 3283 in this auction, also out of the renowned collection of
Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr. Loading is performed through the act of the
user wrapping their palm around the wrist of the stock and using their
fingers to squeeze the trigger guard upwards, which then unlocks the
breech and allows the barrel to swing to the left at a forty-five degree
angle. It utilizes a removable thick steel cartridge that is able to be
loaded with powder and ball and reused, acting as the chamber when
inserted into the breech end of the gun. Engraving visible on the lock, hammer, sideplate and buttplate.
Strong traces of gold inlaid floral scenery on top of the receiver breech with what appears to be a gold inlaid
maker name on top of the breech of the smoothbore barrel with gold inlaid rings and on either end of the round section. “17” stamped in
the wood behind the upper receiver tang.
CONDITION: Good, displaying a mix of gray of brown patina with scattered light pin-prick pitting and light wear, strong traces of gold inlaid designs, with otherwise defined engraving. Stock is good as lightly sanded and re-oiled, with numerous scattered scratches and dents, a few old filled in repairs visible at the edges, and a few small chips below the front of the sideplate. Mechanically excellent. An advanced early 18th century breech loading flintlock cartridge firearm that would make a fine addition to any early European arms collection!
Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
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