This fine percussion rifle, dating to circa 1860, bears the name of one of the lesser known Scottish gunmakers called George Bell. With octagonal browned damascus twist barrel signed “G. BELL. GLASGOW” with white metal blade front sight and blued rear sight of one standing and three folding leaves. Scroll engraved casehardened patent breech with platinum plug. Border and scroll engraved standing breech, side lock signed “GEORGE BELL” and with dolphin engraved hammer, and furniture including heel plate and blued trigger guard with checkered pistol grip. Single set trigger and associated ramrod.

Barrel retaining nearly all of the rebrowned finish, signature enhanced, breech with traces of original casehardened finish. Very nicely engraved lock and furniture, all light grey patina, trigger guard retaining traces of original blued finish. Stock refinished, well defined checkering, very slight storage marks. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.