Page 35 - Auction84-Book2

The receiver is decorated with floral scrollwork and borders. Both sides of the receiver are
& SONS” in a banner. The T. Bland & Sons serial number (“15438”) is on the bolt. Additional
is featured on the lever and upper tang. The trapdoor shotgun buttplate screws have a floral blossom engraving. British proofs are stamped on the barrel, bolt and receiver. The rifle was proofed in .303 British and later proofed in 410 shotgun with 3 inch chambers as confirmed by the T. Bland & Sons letter. The matted rib is signed “T. BLAND & SONS 430 WEST STRAND LONDON” ahead of the rear sight and “WINNERS OF THE/1885/AMERICAN RIFLE TRIALS” at the breech. The rifle is fitted with a blade front
sight and a four leaf rear sight (one fixed) graduated to 400 yards. The highly figured
walnut forearm and round knob pistol grip stock have multi-point checkering. The
forend has a horn cap. The underside of the buttstock has a blank silver inscription oval.
CONDITION: Fine as period retailer converted to .410 shotgun configuration. The barrel
retains 60% thinned blue finish. The receiver, bolt, magazine and lever retain 70% blue
finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The engraving is crisp. Traces of blue
finish remains on the buttplate. The wood is also fine with minor dings and scratches
and some blemishes in the checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The John Fox Collection.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
33
Frank Butler & His Wife, Little Miss Sure Shot, Annie Oakley
signed “T. BLAND scrollwork