Page 176 - 86-Book3

International Exhibition of 1862
LOT 3243
Rare British King & Phillips Patent Experimental Prototype Bolt Action Breechloading Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 56, 45 cal., 21 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This experimental King & Phillips patent breechloading centerfire rifle uses a bolt action system with a rotating bolt body that doubles as an outer protective collar surrounding numerous small locking lugs. For loading, the bolt is rotated counterclockwise from the user and pulled backwards, allowing loading from the top with a paper contained cartridge, which is then pushed forward into the chamber upon closing the bolt. “KING & PHILLIPS/PATENT” marked in two lines on top of the breech of the barrel, and “No 56” above a Birmingham proof marked on the bolt handle. No related patent has been located at the time of writing. Fixed
front sight and graduated ladder rear sight. “50” bore markings with
Birmingham proofs marked on the left of the breech end of the barrel with
four groove rifling. Saddle bar and ring located on the left side. Engraved
screws throughout. Blued barrel and trigger guard, casehardened lock,
forend cap and buttplate, and bright bolt body. It was found that this
carbine was possibly displayed by King & Phillips at the International
Exhibition of 1862 in which an included scanned copy of
the cover of the catalog and one page with the headline
“SPECIMENS OF MILITARY ARMS manufactured by the
Birmingham Small Arms Trade for the English and Foreign
Governments:” listing “KING & PHILLIPS, Birmingham,
Manufacturers,” as an exhibitor with three firearms
displayed including “One rifle patent breech-loading cavalry
carbine.” The Birmingham gunmaking firm of King & Phillips,
located at 96 Bath Street, was active between 1859-1864
as “gun, pistol & rifle manufacturers” and was known to
manufacture Enfield Pattern 53 rifle-muskets delivered to
the Confederacy during the American Civil War. It is likely
this prototype breechloading carbine was made specifically
as a sample to show at the International Exhibition of 1862
in an attempt to gain interest from the English or foreign
governments for potential purchase of more, and/or it was
intended for military trials.
CONDITION: Very good plus, retaining strong traces of original
blue finish on the barrel underneath smooth brown patina with
some scattered areas of light surface pitting, sharp markings
and edges in the metal, and a mix of smooth gray and brown
patina on the remaining surfaces including the casehardened lock.
Stock is very good with defined edges, scattered scratches and dents, a slightly separated crack visible above
the rear of the lock, a pin-sized hole in the left of the buttstock likely from a display plaque, and numerous
lines in the forend from display. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
174
LISTED IN THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1862 CATALOGUE