FEBRUARY 202 1

SALES LIST

As the country’s leading specialist in supplying quality items to discerning collectors, investors, and shooters of antique and vintage arms we take pleasure in presenting our latest sales listing. On these pages you will find one of the best selections available. We are confident that this list offers the best value in the country, where you will find quality items, cheaper than encountered at arms fairs and with other dealers. We are full time professiona ls, not Arms Fair part timers who like to make a big profit at your cost. To survive we have to deal with people fairly and more than just once.

From time to time we include on our list’s articles, many of these articles are reference works. Compiled fr om source material the result of true research and experience and not regurgitated from existing articles and books. This is something very few are able to do. In fact, a leading foreign publishing house has started serializing many of them.

Many items come and go without even appearing on our website, some even vanish into our collections without mention. So, if there is any particular items you are looking for please give us a call, maybe we can help.

Our regularly updated website now lists most of our stock, that you can view 24/7. You can look with pleasure; decide at leisure, no pressure, no crowd. We hope you enjoy this catalogue. If you have any queries or require further information on any item, then please do not hesitate to get in touch. W e look forward to hearing from you and being of service now and in the future.

Flintlock & Percussion Pistols……………………………2 - 6 Longarms…………………………… …… . ……… . …… . … ….. 6 - 29 Revolvers………….….……..……..…….… ……………. ….… 29 - 3 4 Conditions of Sale…………… .. ……… …… ……… . . …. …… . .. 3 5 Article on The Cooper CBL of 1853……… .. ……….. 3 6 - 4 4

1

Flintlock & Percussion Pistols

A Good .65” Flintlock Officers Pistol By Prosser of London, Circa 1800. 9” London proofed barrel with swivel rammer hinged at muzzle. Iron mounted full walnut stock, c hequered flattened fishtail butt, a typical Prosser feature, iron buttcap engraved with original owner’s initial “P.R.T”. Flat lock with stepped tail and bolt safety, makers name “Prosser” engraved to centre. Roller to frizzen spring, swan - neck cock. The maker John Prosser was established at 9 Charing Cross from 1795, appointed sword cutler and beltmaker to King George III. He was a noted maker of officer’s p istols in this unique style . In particularly good condition, quite sharp overall, barrel and lock to blue / grey patina. A good collectors officers pistol of the Napoleonic wars. £ 1195

2

A 32 Bore (.530”) Flintlock Overcoat or Travelling Pistol circa 1810, 4” octagonal sighted barrel, foliate engraved tang with back - sight. Figured full walnut stock with rounded chequered butt, steel trigger - guard with pineapple finial and engraved with a Britannia shield and foliage on the bow, vacant silver escutcheon on butt. Flat bevelled border line engraved lock with stepped tail, fitted with bolt safety, makers name “Heathcote” engraved to centre, foliate engraved swan - neck cock, frizzen spri ng with roller . The maker was either James Heathcote Whittall St. Birmingham 1807 - 1811 or Thomas Heathcote Snowhill 1814 - 1818. Complete with its original brass tipped with iron worm. In particularly good condition, with untouched stock barrel and lock with to a faded brown patina. A nice - looking pistol. £895

3

A Good .65” Pattern 1843 Percussion Cavalry Pistol. Having a 9” barrel stamped with London proofs. Brass mounted full walnut stock, lanyard ring to butt and swivel rammer hinged to muzzle. New series lock specially designed for percussion arms stamped with the Rampant Lion cypher. This pattern of pistol was an upgrade of the earlier Pattern 1840 percussion pistol, the main difference was in the fitti ng of a newly designed lock known as the “New Series lock”. Its design based on the proven and dependable Pattern 1819 flintlock pistol. There was some other minor difference, like the fitting of side - cups for the lock screws as opposed to a side plate on earlier models. The first order was placed in 1843 between then and 1852 approx. 18,145 were supplied, to Bengal and Bombay presidencies, none to Madras which had large quantities of the 1819 flintlock pistol in store. For those with an interest i n 19 th century India and the Raj this is a very historic pattern of pistol, issued and carried during all major campaigns and wars from the mid 1840’s to the late 1860’s after which many were given over to the native states. Pistols of this pattern were issued to Bengal and Bombay regular cavalry and Horse Units, some Bengal Irregular cavalry and some Royal Service cavalry serving in India. They were used in all campaigns of the period including both the Sikh wars, the 2 nd Burma war, the mu tiny and by both sides. Imperial regiments who certainly carried them before 1850 were 3 rd Light Dragoons who used them during both Sikh wars, 9 th Queens Lancers, 14 th & 15 th Light Dragoons. In the 1850’s there was an influx of British cavalry regiments due to the mutiny consequently many more could have been issued to crown forces. They were the pistols of the Sikh wars, the mutiny; also, the pistol used and relied upon by the forces maintaining order on the turbulent North West Frontier. The y were well - designed and made, a strong, soldier proof and reliable weapon, to me one of the most historically important of all E.I.C. pistols. Most examples encountered are all well used, which is a testimony to their service life. Good examples are hard to find. During this time the scale of issue of arms to the Bombay and Bengal native cavalry was at the rate of two pistols per man, and one carbine to 10 to 15 men per troop who acted as skirmishers when needed. Troopers who carried pistols did not carry a carbine, and those who carried carbines did not carry pistols. Lancers carried just one pistol. In vg condition for one of these, good stock and quite sharp for one of these, barrel to blue / brown patina. A good example of an historic pistol. £895

4

A Fine .65” Percussion Boxlock Travelling Or Belt Pistol, 6” sighted octagonal barrel, with under rib and swivel rammer, foliate engraved boxlock with side mounted hammer engraved to match. Chequered walnut grip having a foliate engraved dished oval buttcap th e trap. The pistol dates the 1830’s 40’s and is in excellent condition with most original finish and fine untouched grips, a superb collector’s gun, and credit to any collection. £750

5

Flintlock Longarms

A Rare .625” Baker Flintlock Cavalry , 30” barrel rifled with eight grooves, fixed block sight , the underside of the barrel at the muzzle with a stud. Probably for one of these volunteer socket sword . Regulation brass mounted stock with scroll trigger guard, the brass wrist escutcheon is engraved H.H. a sling bar and ring is fitt ed to the leftside. Rounded pattern lock engraved with the Crown Tower G. R. cypher. Baker full length cavalry are exceptionally rare, examples such as this with the “H.H.” markings turn up from time to time, there is even one in the Royal Armouri es collection. In the past they were attributed to Hompesch’s Hussars which is not correct, their style of manufacture dates them to after the disbandment of the Hussars. I believe they were issued to a Volunteer mounted unit on the Henham Hall Estate S uffolk . The rifle is in exceptionally good condition for one of these, with crisp stock showing some bruising commensurate with use, barrel with a fading brown patina, excellent bore. A rare and very desirable Baker variation. £ 5500

6

A Rare & Massive 5 Bore (.950”) East India Company Flintlock Rampart Gun or Wall Piece , with 54” London proofed barrel, brass mounted full walnut stock, flat flock stamped with the rampant lion cypher, ring - neck cock, facetted pan. This massive weighing 35 l bs is basically a scaled up Windus pattern musket and is complete with its ste el yoke and peg. Guns like this as the name implies were designed to be fired from a wall or fortification, also from a light field carriage as a small artillery piece, or a ships rail. They were quite popular with E.I.C. forces and on issue in limited nu mbers from 1700 through to the 1850’s and the introduction of the rifle. It was found that they could outrange not just but also the early rifles such as the Baker and Brunswick. Issues tended to be to the frontier and areas where conflict was li kely to flare up. Some were sold to the Ordnance at the time of the Napoleonic wars. From 1780 on the design changed little, a percussion variation was introduced in 1840. Records indicate that these flintlock rampart guns were still considered fit for service in the 1850’s although old and outdated. The conquest of Pegu in the second Burma War of 1852, these newly conquered territories were held by troops in stockades. It was felt that there was a role for these large bore weapons mounted on swivels in both the defence of stockaded posts, and even to cover offensive and reconnoitring patrols outside the stockades. They could shoot out with some accuracy to 400 yards. A quantity of these old flintlock wall guns was shipped out from Madras. The introduc tion of the rifle resulted in all these old wall piece’s being declared obsolete and most scrapped. Some consideration was given by the EIC court of directors to the adoption of a rifled Jacobs pattern wall piece of 4 bore that would also have utilised hi s exploding shell, Jacobs before his death in 1858 certainly had some made for his own experiments. The idea came to nothing with the end of the E.I.C. in 1858. It is not known how many were made probably less than 2000 in total over 100 years , today very few are known to exist. For what it is in particularly good condition , good stock showing some wear and repairs, barrel to a black / brown patina. A rare opportunity to acquire an exceptionally scarce and historic piece that would be the centrepiece of any advanced collection as well as an investment for the future. An item of this weight and size cannot be shipped, buyer collects, or we can arrange a courier delivery at cost £4995

7

A Rare & Interesting .65” Yeomanry or Officers 1796 Heavy Dragoon Style Flintlock Carbine by Barnett, 28” barrel stamped with G.R. ordnance proofs at breech. Regulation brass mounted f ull walnut stock with sling - bar, the butt stamped with the Barnet Minor ies roundel and “ C . S.” over a broad arrow over “D”. the C . S meaning Commissariat Stores? R ounded ordnance pattern lock stamped with makers name “Barnett” to centre, fitted with ring - neck cock. This interesting carbine is a cross between the 1796 Heavy Dragoon carbine and the Elliot, it is stocked in the style of the 1796 H.D yet has the .65” c alibre and barrel of the Elliott. The fact it has both a maker’s name and Ordnance proofs together with issue markings tends to suggest it was produced for Yeomanry or possibly colonial issue during the Napoleonic Wars or later . In exceptionally good condition with a fine stock, barrel to blue / brown patina a good and scarce collectors’ items . £1800

8

A Good .75” Volunteer India Pattern Flintlock Musket, made to the regulation pattern, with 39” barrel stamped with p ost 1813 Birmingham proofs to Breech. Regulation brass mounted full walnut stock, with high comb and handrail wrist, lock of ordnance pattern engraved with a crown to centre and fitted with a ring - neck cock. A typical and c lassic commercial India Pattern produced for the volunteer market . In particularly good condition with fine stock, quite sharp overall, some minor bruising commensurate with use, barrel, and lock to a pleasing brown patina . A nice collector’s gun and better than most at a reasonable price, good India Patterns are now getting hard to find and increasing in price. £18 00

9

An Exceptionally Rare .65” Irish Establishment Flintlock Carbine By W & J Rigby , 22” Dama scus barrel stamped “DUBLIN” near the breech and the Irish registration marks “ME 29XX”, for County Meath. On the underside of the barrel at the muzzle is fitted an offset swivel rammer. A feature that appears to be unique to this model, its purpose being that a socket bayonet can be fitted. Brass mounted full walnut stock, the butt - cap tang with matching registration number, lock with stepped tail and engraved to centre “W & J Rigby”, semi waterproof pan and roller to frizzen spring. It appears that aro und 1818 to 1820 Rigby received a large government order for the supply of carbine’s and pistols. That were to be issued to foot police, mounted police, customs officials etc. This carbine is undoubtedly one of that order, records also reveal that a quan tity of those carbines were returned to Rigby for modification, it is believed that the modification was for the fitting of a lug to facilitate the offset swivel rammer. In 1843 the Government past an act for the registration and licensing of all guns in Ireland, the act was an effort to monitor and in turn reduce the private ownership of guns in the troubled counties of Ireland. The ingenious gunmakers of Ireland especially those from Dublin like W & J Rigby, were manufacturing high quality weapons in such numbers that the government became increasingly concerned. In addition, the importation of guns and from the Birmingham trade compounded the problem. Consequently, an act was passed requiring the owners of firearms to register their guns which were marked with a coded number identifying the county; the owner was also issued a licence. It appears that a special press was designed and made for applying the registration numbers and 44 presses were in operation throughout Ireland and approx. 130,000 arms registered. Today it is noted that many Irish Establishment and Militia issue weapons bear Irish registration markings, it is unknown if this was done d uring their time on issue or when sold out of service. W & J Rigby were Ireland biggest and most famous manufacturer, producing a whole range of weapons from those of the highest quality to standard military arms such as these. In particularly good con dition, with fine stock, barrel to a grey / brown patina. Highly recommended, this is an exceptionally rare collectors’ carbine of which few have survived due to the Irish War of Independence 1919 - 1921 when many weapons were destroyed. It also is by Rigb y one of Irelands most famous makers. £1595

10

A Fine Enfield .7 5” Lovells Pattern 1839 Percussion Sergeants Carbine of The Line Carbine or Short Musket, 33” barrel stamped with both G.R. and V.R. proofs a t breech as correct for the early P39 muskets especially those made at Enfield. Regulation brass mounted full walnut stock , ordnance roundel to butt, the lock stamped with the Crown V.R. Enfield cypher. Fitted with Lovell’s pattern spring bayonet catch. This rare pa ttern of carbine was made for issue to sergeants of line regiments who required a more manageable weapon , it replaced the India Pattern flintlock sergeant’s carbine in service. It is basically a reduced proportion Lovell’s P39 musket. Made in limited num bers with a small survival rate, specimens are rarely found today. In near excellent condition with fine stock and fading blue to barrel. A rare item for the British military collector. £1195

A Good .75” Pattern 1839 Percussion Musket by Lacy & Co. London, 39” barrel pinned to the stock, regulation brass mounted stock, lock stamped “Lacy & Co. / London”. The musket is made to the regulation pattern but does not have provision for a spring bayo net catch. Lacy & Co etc was one of the main members of the London trade originally established in 1811 going through various partnerships Bennet & Lacy, Lacy & Reynolds, Lacy & Witton etc. They were major contractors to the Ordnance and East India Co. during the 1840’s they also supplied many arms such as this to private customers for defence of factories and offices etc during the Chartist troubles of the 1840’s. These included the Bank of England and the Times. In excellent condition, with fine stoc k, barrel with much original blue. £795

11

A 700” Volunteer Brunswick Percussion Rifle by Jukes & Coulson, 30” barrel rifled with two grooves, fitted with sword bar at muzzle and fixed sights at breech. Brass mounted full walnut stock with scroll trigger - guard, the lock of P39 form stamped in the centre “Jukes & Coulson Ltd. London”. An interesting Brunswick variation, by an interesting company established 1730 and still in existence today. Originally known as Harrison, Jukes & Co they had an iron works at Robertsbridge Sussex producing cannon. By 1742 the became Jukes Coulson and Co at 10 Allhallows Lane, exporters of arms, gunpowder, and iron products with a warehouse at Rotherhithe. From 1800 to 1835 th ey were at 94 Upper Thames St. before moving to 11/12 Clements Lane, Lombard St . They wholesaled Birmingham made military and trade guns with their name on and supplied a whole range of iron and steel products, with factories at Birmingham and Sheffield. This rifle dates the 1840’s possibly one of a colonial contract. In exceptionally good condition with fine stock, barrel with fading blue, good bore. £1295

A .65” Nepal or Gurkha Brunswick Style Percussion Musket, 36” skelp twist barrel with block rearsight and Brunswick style bayonet bar to muzzle. Brass mounted full stock fitted with a backaction lock. This interesting musket was one of a few hundred discovered in the Nepal State Armoury at the palace of La gan Silekhana. It is believed they were made at the Nepal State Armoury in the early 1850’s possibly for issue to the Gurkha rifle battalion numbering almost 800 men in 1858, or the four senior regiments of the Nepalese army. This example possibly marked to the Yamada Battalion established in 1854. It is thought production of this model stopped in favour of a true Brunswick copy, a rifled model. A historic collector’s gun in very good condition, with good stock, barrel to a grey/brown patina. £795

12

A Possibly Unique / Trials or Prototype .65” Percussion Cavalry Carbine By John Garden of London, 21” London Gunmakers proofed barrel with swivel rammer hinged at muzzle, having the refinement of a hooked or break - off breech, the flat engraved John Garden. Brass mounted full walnut stock, very unusual, unique style bar action lock engraved with maker s name “John Garden”, plain slab - side hammer. This carbine features a number of unique features quite different to those found on other carbines of the period, I have never seen another like it. I am sure it was made as a pattern to attract sales most p robably from the East India Company’s Irregular regiments but possibly the Ordnance . The maker John Garden is not listed in any of the directories, he might well have been connected to the famous firm of Garden & Co of Piccadilly noted suppliers to Irregul ar cavalry regiments in India. The carbine is in excellent condition most probably never used. An interesting and probably unique example for the carbine or collector. £995

13

An Exceptionally Rare and fine 550” Joseph Rock Coopers Patent Capping Breech Loading Sporting Rifle Circa 1855. 26” octagonal barrel rifled with four grooves and fitted with leaf sights, rounded breech section, with hinged breech block stylishly engraved “J. R. Coopers Patent Breech Loader No 100.” Within scroll decoration. Figured walnut half - stock with chequered wrist, horn nose cap and iron mounts, bar action detented lock of sporting rifle form, with some floral decoration and makers name “J. R. Coop er” to centre, hammer engraved to match. J. R. Cooper was a leading member of the Birmingham guntrade from approx. 1838 he was responsible for numerous patents relating to improvements to firearms, a number of these related to breech loaders. The patent for this design was No 131 of 19 th January 1853, the system is of the type known as a chamber loader, to open a lever attached to a backplate or wedging plate is lifted up and rotated to the left, this is linked to a hinged breech block or chamber unit, o nce clear of the breech shoe this lever is pulled back withdrawing the chamber unit, from the barrel, rotating the lever further lifts the chamber unit out of the breech for loading. The front of the chamber is machined to the form a cone which fits into a corresponding machining in the breech end of the barrel, a mating fit to hopefully provide a gas tight seal. Chamber loading systems were an obvious method of breech loading and had been around since the very beginning of firearms manufacture, the advan cement in metallurgy and machine tools provided by the industrial revolution allowed this system to be perfected. Other examples produced at the same time would be the Leetch and the Mont Storm. From 1855 Cooper took out at least 12 other patents relatin g to breech loading rifles, consequently this design J. R. Coopers first was improved upon and forgotten . It is a very practical, well thought out design and of quality manufacture, I am sure it worked well. Examples are exceptionally rare, examination o f surviving specimen suggests the majority were produced in sporting configuration, such as this example, the serial range was from 1 up and the highest number I know of is 110, various calibres and forms can be encountered. Incidentally No 1 is in the Tower Study collection, which I have not seen but believe it is a military style carbine in .65” cal. supplied to the Ordnance Office in the hope of obtaining a government order, although I have not found mention of it in the Ordnance records that I have examined. This example in exceptionally good condition with fine stock, barrel professionally rebrowned, good bore and action. This is an exceptionally rare rifle for the collector of breech loading systems, I estimate the numbers produced to be le ss than 120. Possibly just 110. £1695

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15

A 577” Pattern 1856 Two Band Percussion Volunteer Short Rifle by Parkhouse of Taunton , made to the regulation pattern with 33” barrel rifled with 3 grooves, Birmingham proofs at breech, ladder - sights, bayonet lug at muzzle, Iron mounted full walnut stock. Standard border engraved P53 style lock with Crown VR cypher engraved to tail and “W w. Parkhouse / Taunton” to centre. Interesting as most commercial volunteer rifles bear the Crown cypher but not the VR. The rifle was retailed by William Parkhouse of 54 High St. Taunton who was listed at that address for 1860 only making this gun easy t o date. 1860 being the beginning of the volunteer movement at a time when volunteers had to purchase their own arms, in February 1862 the government agreed to supply. In exceptionally good condition with good fine stock, barrel to blue / grey patina, good bore. £1100

16

A 577” Volunteer or Officers Percussion Short Rifle by Pritchett & Son London, 32” London proofed barrel rifled with 3 grooves of Pritchett’s own design, pattern 1856 bayonet lug at muzzle, fitted with ladder sights to 1000 yds. The barrel has a flat running back from the rearsight to the breech on which is engraved “Pritchett & Son 7 Poultry St. London”. Iron mounted full walnut stock the barrel secured with hook or breakoff breach and two flat keys, Enfield style border engraved lock makers name Pritchett & Son to centre. The maker was Robert Taylor Pritchett, who together with Wi lliam Ellis Metford invented the Pritchett rifle bullet for which he was awarded a £1000 by the government. The company founded by Robert E. Pritchett in 1813 were contractors to the Ordnance and East India Co. It became Pritchett & Son in 1853, Robert T aylor was at the forefront of small arms improvements especially rifling, producing his own variation of the P53 Enfield with a modified rifling, In fact it is arguable that the 3 groove rifling system was originally his idea taken by Enfield. It is known he supplied arms to the governments rifling trials. Rifles of this design were of a higher quality than the normal two band P56 rifle consequently more expensive and purchased by an officer of ether regulars or volunteers, or even a volunteer in an eli te company, such as the Victoria Rifle, of which Pritchett himself was a member, some one of means. At the time some purchasers preferred this style of weapon and not just for its smooth graceful lines, many believed they had an edge in accuracy over the standard two band. This rifle dates pre - 1859 as Pritchett left the Poultry St. address in that year. Pritchett joined the prestigious Victoria Rifles on its foundation in 1853, many members of which obtained their rifles from him, maybe this was one. Pri tchett led an interesting life worthy of an article, he retired from the trade in 1865 and took up art, he was a very accomplished painter exhibited at the Royal Academy, became a friend of and painter in watercolours to Queen Victoria. Sorry I digress. The rifle is exceedingly good condition with fine stock, barrel to blue / grey patina good bore. £ 995

17

R. T. Pritchett in different stages of his life.

A 577” Pattern 1853 Enfield Three Band Third Model Percussion Rifle, 39” barrel rifled with three grooves, stamped with London gunmakers proofs to breech together with the “LAC” stamp. Regulation brass mounted full walnut stock, lock plain and unmarked . The rifle has been professionally refurbished in the past, is quite sharp with most blue to barrel, lock with full case colours , fine stock, good bore. LAC made P53 Enfield’s are considered to be the finest of all the commercially made rifles , being made to the highest interchangeable standards of the day. A fine - looking rifle. £ 1100

18

A .65” Pattern 1858 Bengal Mounted Police Percussion Carbine , 21” barrel, stamped with commercial Birmingham proofs, fixed notch rearsight, swivel rammer hinged at muzzle, brass mounted walnut stock, swivel rib and ring fitted to counter lock - side. The butt struck with various E.I.G markings including a Birmingham Ordnance inspection roundel dated 1887, and another for Bombay Arsenal, also dated 1887. The lock stamped with the Crown V.R. Tower cypher dated 1859. The trigger - guard is stamped 2 - 45 and on the breech tang “1 8 8 ” . A member of the Enfield Pattern 1853 series of arms specially designed for India, after the mutiny it was ordered that except in special cases Native troops were to be armed with inferior weapons to British regulars. This pattern of carbine was approved on 14 th October 1858 for issue to Mount ed Native Police Units, originally they were produced from used P53 non - interchangeable rifles, later carbines of new manufacture were produced, many years ago I owned the actual pattern arm for the new manufacture P58 carbines It is believed that original ly only 6500 were ordered, but it is uncertain if this referred to just the conversion from P53 rifles or the overall total . They obviously proved a very practical weapon and remained on issue for many years. This is an exceptional example with fine stock , barrel with most blue. £695

19

A 577” Snider / Enfield Mk III Volunteer Two Band Naval Short Rifle, made to the regulation pattern 30 ½” barrel rifled with five grooves, bayonet lug at muzzle , ladder rearsight. Positive bolt and latch locked breech . Brass mounted full walnut stock; the lock stamped with the crown Tower cypher dated 1867 . In exceptionally good condition with good stock, barrel to a pleasing aged patina and fine bore. Snider Naval rifles Ordnance or volunteer mo dels are all quite scarce and very sought after. £1195

An Exceptionally Rare .58” C/F Brown or Merrill’s Patent Bolt Action Rifle, 35” barrel fitted with the standard P53 Enfield sight, brass mounted full walnut stock. This pattern of rifle was produced by the Brown Manufacturing Co. Of Newburyport, Massachu setts between 1869 - 73. The Brown co was the successor to the Merrimack Arms Co who previously manufactured Southern and Ballard rifles. George Merrill was company secretary and John Hamilton Brown the President. The Brown or Merrill rifle is an early bolt action fired by a semi or half hammer; all known specimens are conversion of British Civil War surplus Pattern 1853 Enfield rifles. The barrels were shortened, a breech unit screwed on the contained the bolt and hammer, part of the wrist had to be cutaway to accept the unit, this weakened the stock at already a weak spot, consequently many are found with cracks or breaks at this spot. The locks were removed, and the aperture infilled with a piece of walnut that precisely matched the stock. A Newburyport newspaper article in 1872 stated the Brown had converted some 2000 Enfield rifles other sources state 1000 or less. The Brown was submitted to U.S. trials in 1872 probably in 50/70 Cal. but failed to impress. It is also believed that som e of these rifles were purchased by the Fenians who raided Canada between 1866 and 1872. Back in the 1920,s Bannerman’s were offering Brown rifles for sale at $8 described as taken from the Fenians. Although patents were taken out in 1871 manufacture st arted in 1869. By 1873 the firm was bankrupt and bought by an ex - Colt employee John Marlin becoming The Marlin Firearms Company. This very rare example is in very good condition, good stock with old repair to wrist, barrel to a grey patina, good bore. £895

20

A Rare 10.4mm Swiss Model 1864/67 Milbank Amsler Stutzer Scharfschutzen or Canton Rifle, By Neuhausen / S.I.G. 30 ½” chambered for the Swiss Vetterli , fitted with quadrant sights and stamped with a Swiss Canton shield, identifying its place of issue. Double hinged flip over breech stamped on the top “Neuhausen / S.I.G.” , fitted with double set triggers. I ron mounted figured full walnut stock, scroll trigger - guard and double pronged schutzen style butt - plate, the barrel secured to the stock by twin keys. Side action lock plain and unmarked . Originally made as a muzzle - loader and then converted to breech - l oader, Rifles such as this were for issue to Elite companies. In exceptionally good + condition, fine stock, sharp, crisp, and untouched, barrel and action to a grey patina, good bore and action. Rifles of this type are quite scarce and sought - aft er, examples for sale in USA are priced between $2000 to $3000, sniper rifles have a strong collector following. £1195

21

A Nice 500” Black Powder Express Double Barrel Big Game Ham mer Rifle By G. E. Lewis, Birmingham, Circa 1875. 28 ¾” barrels the wide antiglare top rib signed in a panel “G. E. Lewis Express Rifle, 32 & 33 Lower Loveday St. Birmingham”. Fitted with leaf rear - sights . Rounded Jones rotary underlever action with foliate engraved back - action locks. Two piece figured walnut stock with chequered wrist and forend fitted with iron mounts including a trigger - guard with scroll pistol grip. In near excellent condition with fine untouched stock, most blue to barrels, goo d bore and tight action. A fine collectors rifle. £2750

22

A Fine Cased 577” (Snider) Double Barrel Big Game Hammer Rifle by G. Roberts & Co. 28” barrels anti - glare rib signed in a panel “G. Roberts & Co” and fitted with a ladders sight . Jones rotary underlever action foliate engraved round bodied action. Figure d two - piece walnut stock, chequered wrist and forend fitted with iron furniture including a scroll pistol - grip . Foliate engraved backaction locks bearing maker’s name. Contained in its relined green lined brown leather case. The rifle is in excellent co ndition, with fine stock, barrel with browned finish, fine bores.

23

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A Fine Quality 8.15x46R Martini Type Single Shot Target Rifle By N. Linsbauer in Wien ”, 30” octagonal barrel with protected foresight, matted integral rail for fitting telescopic sights to the top flat. Foliate engraved action also bearing the retailers name “N. Linsbauer in Wien” in a banner. Adjustable tang mounted peep sight scrolled operating underlever trigger guard with spur, double set triggers. Elaborate Tyrolean style buttstock with high comb, chequered wrist and double pronged Schutzen style iron butt - plate, and chequered walnut forend with carved tip and take - down lever. A hi gh - quality rifle in exceptionally good condition sharp and crisp overall with faded finish, good action and bore. £895

25

An 8.15x46R Single Shot Falling Block Original System Aydt Target Rifle, with 31 ½” octagonal to multi fluted barrel, the top sides signed in silver gilt “Hans Lechner Nurnberg” dovetailed section running back to breech for the fitting of telescopic sight. Plain slab - sided breech fitted with large banana shaped tensioning springs, square form of dropping breech block marked “Original System Aydt”. Action tang with base for an aperture sight. Chequered walnut buttstock, in elaborate Tyrolean style, reli ef carved with panels of oakleaves, and high cheek rest, Swiss - style Schutzen twin pronged butt - plate. Complex underlever forming the trigger - guard bow, double set triggers, carved and decorated forend . The action was designed by German gunsmith Carl Wil helm Aydt (1847 - 1923) and patented in 1885 rifles of this type were extremely popular in Germany in the late 1800’s early 1900’s. This example made by Haenel and retailed by Hans Lechner of Nurnberg. In its day a high quality and expensive rifle, in excel lent condition. £895

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A Rare & Good .42” Russian Berdan No 2 Service Rifle, 33” barrel with Cyrillic markings to top, reading “Imperial Tula Arms Manufactory 1880”. iron mounted full walnut stock, butt stamped with a Russian manufacturing roundel. The model of 1870, or Berdan II, is a single shot bolt action with a distinctive sho rt, pear - shaped, bolt handle. The bolt handle serves as the only locking lug for the action, and when closed, points upwards at a 30 - degree angle, rather than horizontally. The Berdan II was produced in four variants: an infantry rifle, the lighter and sli ghtly shorter dragoon rifle, a Cossack rifle with a button trigger and no trigger guard, and a cavalry carbine. Infantry and dragoon rifles were issued with quadrangular socket bayonets. Initial production of the Berdan II was at Birmingham Small Arms in E ngland. The rifles were later manufactured in large numbers by Russian factories at Tula, Izhevsk, and Sestroretsk. Estimated total production of all models is over 3 million. The machinery for these factories was supplied by Greenwood and Batley of Leed s. The inventor was Hiram Berdan of Berdan fame with assistance from Russian Colonel Gorloff. The rifle was known for its accuracy, simplicity and reliability. Both the Berdan I and Berdan II were used by Guard units in the Russian Army during the Russo - Turkish War of 1877 – 78 . Russia n forces, although ultimately victorious, were badly mauled by the very long range fire from Turk Peabody – Martini rifles during the Siege of Plevna . After the war a long - ran ge auxiliary sight was adopted and retrofitted to the Berdan II infantry rifle. The Berdanka, as it was called, continued in Russian service even after the adoption of the Mosin – Nagant, primarily with reserve and rear echelon units, even when the Mosin - Nag ant became plentiful. Many Russian troops had Berdan rifles in the Russo - Japanese war of 1905. During World War I , some Russian second line, training and service units were armed with the Berdan II. It is common to see Berdan rifles in photos of street fighting taken during the Russian Revolution of 1917 . The Berdan 2 is quite rare in the west and most examples appear to have come from sources other than Russia, Finland sold of f a large quantity to surplus arms dealers in the late 1940’s. It is believed that most of those in store in Russia were recycled during WWI. This example in vg condition with good stock, some brusing commensurate with use. barrel and action with much or iginal blue with fading finish and good bore. A rare collector’s rifle. £1195

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A 12.7mm Swedish Model 1867 Remington Rolling Block Rifle , 32” barrel ladder sight, two - piece arctic birch stock. In vg+ cond. excellent stock, feint c ase colours to action, barrel to grey blue patina, excellent bore. A fine specimen. £800

A 11mm Danish Model 1867 Remington Rolling Block Service Rifle , 33” barrel, ladder sight, bayonet lug at muzzle, 2 - piece iron mounted walnut stock, 3 spring retained barrel bands. Denmark was the first country to place a large - scale order with Remington for the Rolling Block rifle 42,000 in total. The cartridge the 11.7 X 51R developed as a joint venture between Remington and the Danish Government, first designed as a Rimfire round, but later produced in centrefire. It was Denmark’s large order with Remington that inspired both Sweden and Norway to also adopt this rifle. Denmark in 1870 obtained licensing rights from Remington and produced Rolling Block rifles in the national armoury. In 1872 Denmark changed the ignition system from Rimfire to centrefire, an ingenious modification was made to the breechblocks allo wing the guns to use either . This specimen has that feature and was one of those made under licence in the Copenhagen Arsenal and fully Danish Ordnance marked. In very good condition, with excellent bore. £795

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A book that comes highly recommended The Martini - Henry, For Queen And Empire by Neil Aspinshaw. A must have for all with an interest in Martini’s and British Military Arms in general. It will be the standard reference work and will not be bettered . It is also very readable. £50

Revolvers

A Rare 54 Bore Brazier Adams Model 1851 Self Cocking Percussion Revolver By Blanch & Son, London. 6 ½” octagonal barrel, top strap engraved with retailers name “Blanch & Son, Gracechurch St. London”. Five shot cylinder, border engraved frame, rightside e ngraved “Adams Patent 30,519B” and on the underside “J. Brazier”. One piece chequered walnut grips. Joseph Brazier was licenced by Adams to manufacture on his own account his M51 self - cocking revolver, many of these were fitted with Brazier’s patent ramm er patented April 1855, as this one was. Brazier / Adams M51 revolvers were numbered in a 30,000 - serial range with a B suffix. This example having the highest know number. Although it needs some restoration it is in very good condition, with much origi nal blue, good grips, the rammer lever is missing, which any good restorer could easily replace, the rammer plunger is present. Action slightly at fault. £895

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A 54 Bore 4 th Model Tranter Single Trigger Double Action Percussion Revolver, Retailed by Trulock & Harris, 9 Dawson St. Dublin”. 6” octagonal barrel, action top strap engraved with retailers name. One - piece borderline and foliate engraved frame, with hook safety and rocking bolt arbour latch, five shot cylinder with roped band decoration to leading edge, one piece chequered walnut grips with doomed buttcap. The revolver has had its rammer removed during its working life probably for comfort of concealed carrying by a civilian rather than a military man. The 4 th model Tranter was Tranters answer to the Beaumont Adams revolver, the double action mechanism was first patented in 1856, although the style of frame and grip was not produced until 1858. In very good condition with good grips, barrel and action to a blue / grey patina , a good specimen with Irish provenance. £895

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A Fine 32” Rimfire Smith & Wesson Model 1 ½” Second Issue, 3 ½” streamlined keyhole shaped barrel with top rib stamped with makers legend and patent details. Five shot fluted cylinder, spur trigger, two - piece rosewood birds head grips. The S & W second i ssue was produced 1868 - 1875 and was an improved streamlined and more attractive version of the First model . This example in excellent condition , with fine grips, and most deep blue a fine collector’s item. £795

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A Rare 44” Rimfire Remington New Model Army Metallic Cartridge Conversion Revolver, 8” octagonal barrel, top flat stamped with the usual Remington legend, ejector rod fitted to right side. The right side of the frame stamped “CA.51”, 6 shot cylinder, two - piece grips. The gun is numbered in the 142,000 serial range has sub inspectors’ markings on major parts, tending to indicate is was originally a Civil War government purchase. In 1868 Remington negotiated a deal with Smith & Wesson to use the Rollin White patent and consequently started production of metallic cartridge revolvers under licence. The system of conversion used on this revolver was developed then. It is estimated 4500 New Model Army revolvers were converted under this arrangement up to April 1869 when the Rollin White patent expired. After which it was a free for all. The revolver bears the conversion No 32

202 and is typical of the Remington / Smith & Wesson type. At this time the US ordnance were actively seeking a metallic breech l oading revolver, many trials and experiments were carried out. Especially at the Springfield Armoury. This conversion dates the second half of 1869 and is particularly interesting, originally a military percussion revolver made Circa 1864/65 possibly new issued. Then in 1869 sent back to Remington (or Springfield) for conversion. The C.A. 51 frame stamping is obviously an issue or ownership marking, numbers are known to exist numbered just under the C.A. 400 . It is believed to be a State marking for Cali fornia for issue to their Militia or State Volunteers. One is illustrated in “A Study of Colt Conversions & Other Revolvers” a book I recommend to any with an interest. The gun is in v.g. cond. With good action and grips, metalwork with fading blue, a go od and rare collector’s piece. £1 295 .

Lovell’s Pattern 1842 Socket Bayonets for P39 or P42 Muskets with Lovells Spring catch. 17” triangular blades, no scabbards. We have a selection. All good condition. £75

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A Set of Three Leather Shot Flasks. With adjustable nozzles. £85

A Copper Bodied Sporting Gun Flask, with adjustable brass nozzle. £95

A Copper Bodied Flask with interchangeable Nozzles. £150

Conditions of Sale

All items remain the property of M. J. Noble Ltd. until fully paid for. Payment to be made with order, shipping charged at cost. If a customer is dissatisfied with his purchase for any reason a refund will be made subject to the items safe, undamaged and u naltered return to us within 7 days of purchase. Customers must be over 18 years of age. In accordance with the recent changes to the Home Office Anti - Social Behaviour Order no one who has served a prison sentence or has a suspended sentence is allowed to purchase or own an antique firearm.

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The Cooper’s Patent Capping Breech Loading Rifle of 1853. By Brian C Knapp

The inventor and patentee of this system of capping breech loading was Joseph Rock Cooper (1817 - 1882) a well - known and prolific Birmingham gunmaker and inventor. He was established at 24 Legge Street 1838 to 1854, moving to 32 Woodcock Street in 1853 wi th additional premises of 77 Baggot Street 1854 - 1886. In 1857 he officially entered into a partnership with John Dent Goodman the business then became known as Cooper & Goodman, although I believe their actual working relationship predates this. Goodma n was what was known in the trade as a factor, a factor was a middleman who acted as an intermediary between gunmakers and the export market, In addition they acted as financiers in the production of large orders, playing an important role in the organisa tion of the manufacture, collections of materials, parts and setting up, generally in regard to military contracts. The Birmingham gun trade of the mid - 19 th Century was a complex arrangement, between gunmakers or merchants, of individual parts makers, bar rels, locks, furniture, etc. contractors, sub - contractors, and out workers. A system and way of life that was to change with the advent of machine production and the factory system culminating in the setting up of the Enfield, and private companies such as B.S.A. & Co.

The Cooper & Goodman factory in Woodcock Street where these rifles were made.

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John Dent Goodman was the main organiser and instigator of both the Birmingham Gun Trade an association of Master Gunmakers and Master Makers set up to regulate output, to ensure constant supplies to fix wages and prices. It is from this associa tion that the Guardians of the Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House were elected. Also, The Birmingham Small Arms Trade, an association of twenty military arms makers approved by the War Office, who shared out contracts amongst themselves, made and marketed military arms commercially. B.S.A. Co. was formed from this association of which John Dent Goodman became chairman and J. R. Cooper a major shareholder. There is no doubt Goodman was one of the main movers and shakers of the Birmingham Gun Trade, his ad vice on the trade and arms production even being sought by government. John Dent Goodman Joseph Rock Cooper along with Joseph Bentley of Birmingham and Liverpool is regarded as the principal designer and manufacturer of British pepperbox revolvers as well as being a major military contractor. During the period 1840 to 1869 he was granted no less than Twenty - five patents relating to firearms, and some of these covered more than one design. Seven of these patents related to improvements to breech loading firearms Patent N o 131 of 19 th January 1853 covers the first of these and the subject of this work. The design was basically that of a hinged breech, chamber loader, to open a lever attached to a backplate or wedging plate is lifted up and rotated to the left, this is link ed to a hinged breech block or chamber unit, once clear of the breech shoe this lever is pulled back withdrawing the chamber unit, from the barrel, rotating the lever further lifts the chamber unit out of the breech for loading. The front of the chamber i s machined to the form a cone which fits into a corresponding machining in the breech end of the barrel, a mating fit to hopefully provide a gas tight seal. On closing the wedging plate cams, the breech block forward causing the cones to form a gas tight m ating fit and locks the action closed. The action can only be opened when the hammer is drawn to half - cock Chamber loading systems were an obvious method of breech loading and had been around since the very beginning of firearms manufacture, the advancement in metallurgy and machine tools provided by the industrial revolution allowed breech loading arms of all types to be perfected. Other examples of chamber loaders produced at the same time would be the Leetch and Mont Storm. From 1855 Cooper took out at least 6 other patents relating to breech loading rifles, consequently this design J. R. Coopers first was improved upon, superseded, and forgotten . It is a very practical and well thought out design, examples encountered today are made to the highest standards of the day as would be expected from one of Birmingham’s leading gun manufacturing companies. The 1850’s was a time when the authorities were starting to show interest in the issue of breech loading arms, particularly to cavalry where a breech loading carbine was of obvious advantage to a mounted man. All the early Ordnance interest in breech loading arms was for a cavalry issue 37 carbine. It w as also a time when advancements in technology and metallurgy allowed breech loading systems to become a practical reality. It therefore comes as no surprise that Cooper should try to interest the Board of Ordnance in his latest invention a breech loading carbine. The rewards if successful could be great. The actual carbine he submitted exists today in the Royal Armouries who obtained it in 1922 from the Ordnance Office, where it had remained since its submission to the Board of Ordnance and trial in the early 1850’s. It is an interesting design, made to a military configuration that utilizes features of the Pattern 1844 yeomanry carbine, in fact you could argue it is a breech - loading variation of it. The Royal Armouries example is fitted with a 17” bar rel which has Paget connotations, the calibre is .65” rifled with 4 grooves and fitted with leaf sights. The style is sleek and practical, with regulation brass mounted full walnut stock the mounts include a scroll trigger guard identical to the Pattern 1844 Yeomanry carbine, the lock is plain and unmarked. The action top is stylishly engraved “J. R. Coopers Patent Breech Loading No 1”. It seems it was the first one made probably in 1853 and shortly after the Patent was taken out, which also explains i t being modelled on an existing service carbines. I have not been able to locate any records of its trial, at the time many arms were submitted for trial at the School of Musketry Hythe, their records from 1853 on do not mention it. Wherever it was trial led it seems to have failed to impress, and to the best of my knowledge no other examples are known to exist in a military configuration.

Military Trials Carbine No I . Royal Armouries Collection.

Joseph Rock Cooper being an able businessman obviously w anted a return on his investment, he decided to put the design into production as a sporting rifle believing it to be the best option. The early 1850’s was before the resurgence of the volunteer movement and the widespread interest in target shooting and the mass private market for military style arms that those organisation inspired. Production was limited I estimate from examination of surviving example less than 150, the highest serial number I have so far encountered is 140. All known examples follow a basic pattern, generally are of 28 bore or .55” calibre with 26” octagonal barrels fitted with a three - leaf sighting arrangement. Rifling is generally four groove, although I know of one that is described as having multi - grove rifling and rifle No 57 i s recorded as having the first half of the bore smooth and the other rifled with 15 grooves. Rifle No 89 is 500” Calibre. The rifles are walnut half stocked with chequered wrist black horn or ebony nose - caps, fitted with decorated iron mounts, and side action locks marked “J. R. Cooper”. Known examples are numbered 1, 3, 57 89, 100, 109, 136 and 140. Illustrated below are a number of examples.

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Joseph Rock Cooper Sporting Rifle No 89

The action of Joseph R. Coopers rifle No 89

This pattern of rifle was not in production for long probably 1853 to 1855, in 1855 Cooper obtained Patent No 2718 for another capping breech loading system this was in partnership with Westley Richards. Other patents were No 300 of 1859 for a turning barrel breech loader, No. 328 of 1860 for a capping breech loader 3067 of 1860 and patent No 908 of 1861 for modifications and improvements to patent No 328. It seems this was the only one to go into production in any quantity, examples encountered are generally marked Cooper & Goodman. Production included military style rifles and carbines as well as sporting rifles even a double barrel shotgun variation. It was submitted for trial by the Ordnance Select Commi ttee of the War Office whose purpose it was to test arms of new design. Both rifle and carbine versions were tested, but that is another story. Returning to rifles made to this design two of the rifles detailed here numbers 89 and 100 have been tested o n the range and work amazingly well. Accurate, easy, and quick to load and importantly no escape of gas. One of the advantages of chamber loaders is they can be used with either prepared cartridges or loose powder and ball.

No contemporary reports on the use of Coopers rifle are known to exist, however it seems that one was owned by Captain J. Norton, who was a lecturer at Addiscombe the East India Company cadet college. He was also a keen experimenter with firearms, it was this J. Norton who develope d a hollow based, cylindrical, expanding bullet in the 1830’s. He offered it to the Ordnance who could see no purpose, it is believed Lovell mentioned it to Delvigne in a letter, from which the Minnie bullet was developed.

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Norton was also famous for deve loping an explosive rifle bullet, there is supposition that General John Jacobs famous for the Jacobs rifle and explosive bullets got the idea from Norton. Norton having been one of his lecturers when he was at Addiscombe. Needless to say, the Ordnance c ould see no point in an explosive bullet either.

In a letter to The Field in 1858 Captain Norton mentions a Cooper breech loader which must surely be one of this pattern. He mentions the common problem of the early breech loaders especially chamber loade rs when used with a . Burning embers could remain detonating the next round on loading. His remedy was to make a linen or calico cartridge envelope that had been “charged” with gun cotton. Gun Cotton was developed in the 1840’s and at the t ime was a very unstable substance.

Joseph Rock Cooper Rifle No 100

Top Leftside of action of rifle No 89. Bottom lock of rifle No 100

Below are a selection of photos of Coopers Rifle No 96 40

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