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LOT 1312
Cased Engraved Charles Lancaster 40 Bore Oval Bore Percussion Double
Barrel Express Rifle - Serial no. 2608, 40 Bore cal., 30 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. This
1850s Lancaster rifle features Charles Lancaster’s patented oval bore rifling which both produced excellent accuracy and was easier to load and clean thanks to
the lack of grooves cut into the bore. The Damascus barrels have a flat raised rib with a
beaded blade front sight and flat folding three-leaf rear sight graduated for 100, 200, and 300
yards. The breech plugs have scroll and border engraving on the rib section, platinum bands and
plugs, and matching serial numbers on the hooks. The underside of the barrels have the matching
serial number and London proof and view marks flaking Lancaster’s “CL” maker’s mark in the
breech section and “CHARLES LANCASTER 154 NEW BOND ST. LONDON” and “PATENT SMOOTH
BORED RIFLE” on respective barrels between the rear ramrod pipes. The standing breech is
grooved for point blank sighting and has fine scroll and floral engraving. The flat, scroll engraved
locks are signed “C. LANCASTER/LONDON” and have sliding safeties ahead of the hammers. The
trigger guard has detailed a scene of two sparring stags engraved on the bow, scroll engraving
ahead and behind the scene, the serial number on the tang, and a knurled grip extension at
the rear. The round patch box lid also has a scene with a herd of deer, and the finial has fine
scroll and floral engraving. The trigger plate and ramrod entry pipe have very ornate pineapple
finials, and the checkered buttplate has a detailed dog, scrolls, and floral patterns on the tang.
Attractive walnut half-stock has multi-point checkering on the forend and wrist, the matching
serial number on each side of the ramrod channel in the forend, an oval cheek piece, and a blank silver oval escutcheon and a sling
stud on the bottom of the butt, and the corresponding sling eye is on the mid ramrod pipe. The ramrod has a brass front tip and a ball
puller with threaded cover on the rear. Included with the rifle is an old, hand-written letter labeled “Lancasters/Directions” and stamped
“LANCASTERS/151 NEW BOND ST./LONDON/GUN MAKERS” stating “A felt adding should be placed between the powder and the ball. The ball should not be rammed down hard so as to crush the powder. The mould should never be dipped in water. a greased linen patch should always be used with the ball. The powder flask and measure are set to the proper charge. Coarse powder only should be used.” The relined takedown case has a Charles Lancaster trade label inside the lid and a variety of loading and maintenance equipment of mixed ages including an original leather wrapped Hawksley powder flask numbered to the gun.
CONDITION: Fine with over half of the older refurbished brown finish and distinct Damascus patterns remaining on the barrels, 50% original case colors (strongest on the patch box), 60% original blue finish on the trigger guard, patches of mild pitting, crisp engraving, and mild overall war mostly from age and storage. The stock is very fine and has crisp checkering, a few spots of wear mainly on the forend, and smooth oiled finish. Mechanically excellent. The case has mild wear on the exterior, minimal wear on the newer lining, and some staining on the trade label. The accessories are fine or better overall and generally have light wear. This is a very attractive Charles Lancaster double barrel sporting rifle certainly fit for an English gentleman.
breech and sidelocks, the latter each signed “C.P. SWINBURN & SON”. Border and scroll engraved silver plated furniture comprising trigger guard, trigger
plate with urn finial, heel plate and ramrod entry pipe. Blued barrel key and barrel key escutcheons. Figured walnut half length stock with checkered grip and forearm, the underside of the butt with blank oval silver initial escutcheon and blued sling eye, the corresponding sling eye found beneath the barrels on the middle ramrod pipe. With original brass mounted wooden
ramrod. In original brass cornered mahogany fitted case lined
in dark green baize, the lid with oval black leather C.P. Swinburn & Son trade label with gilt lettering, the exterior of the lid with circular brass escutcheon and flush fitting brass carrying handle. With accessories
including Sykes Patent powder flask, “No. 16” brass bullet mold with base plug, oiler, wad cutter, leather sling, mainspring clamp, various cleaning accessories, a nipple wrench and turnscrew. CONDITION: Fine. The barrels retain 85% original browned finish with crisp rib signature, sights retaining 60% original bright blued finish. Breeches, standing breech and locks retaining 75% original bright casehardened finish, engraving crisp. Silver plating to furniture in very good condition with minimal wear and blemishes. Stock is very fine with age related storage and handling marks, bruises and blemishes, and sharp checkering. Case in good condition with some age related storage and handling marks to exterior, some wear and staining to lining. Accessories generally in good condition, body of powder flask worn. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
Engraved Swinburn & Son 16 Bore Double Barrel Percussion Sporting Rifle with Case - Serial no. NVSN, 16 bore gauge, 30 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/blue/silver finish, walnut stock. Dating to the mid-19th century. With browned Damascus barrels with raised solid flat rib signed “C.P. SWINBURN & SON MAKERS” and with blued bead front sight and blued rear express sight of one standing notch sight and three folding leaf notch sights each with platinum inlaid center line and graduated to 300 yards. Casehardened border and scroll engraved patent breeches each with platinum plug. The underside of the barrels with Birmingham proof marks. Casehardened border and scroll engraved standing
LOT 1313
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