OE - GOOD - some minor replacement parts; metal smoothly rusted or lightly pitted in places, cleaned; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal legible; lightly scratched, bruised or minor cracks repaired; in good working order.

PRF - PROFESSIONALLY REFINISHED OR RESTORED

The maker's records confirm it was completed in 1860 for an E. Miller. Built as a “base fire” and converted during its working life to centerfire. Lancaster’s “base fire” cartridge was one of the earliest cartridge designs and pre-dates the Daw centerfire cartridge by the best part of a decade. Rib signed “CHARLES LANCASTER. 151. NEW BOND ST.T. LONDON. PATENT BREECH LOADER”. Slightly forward angled standing breech with recesses for cartridge base. Signed “CHARLES LANCASTERS PATENT” on each side. Locks signed “C. LANCASTER PATENT LONDON.” Hare’s ear hammers. Figured 14 1/4" stock. London black powder proof marks. With letter dated April 4, 1924, from Cogswell & Harrison Ltd. discussing the feasibility of conversion from “base fire” to modern centerfire cartridges. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection