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SOLDLG-1. PHILO SOPER CANADIAN HALF STOCK HUNTING/TARGET RIFLE: .44 Cal. Circa 1849-1886. We can date this gun as having been made between 1849 and 1867 when Confederation changed CANADA WEST (CW) to ONTARIO. Beautiful walnut stock with chequered wrist. Brass mounted with pewter nose cap (small chip off the top on the right side). Wedge escutcheons, wrist escutcheon and deer inlay on cheek rest are silver. Special note must be made of the unusual fancy trigger guard. The patch box is also unusual in that it is surmounted by a deer.
These unusual features are seldom encountered on Canadian Half Stock
Rifles. The 32 inch octagonal barrel is made with a false muzzle for a bullet starter. The top flat behind the rear sight has the stamp “P. SOPER” over “301” (Serial No.) over “LONDON C.W.”, flanked by fernlike leaves. Large open buckhorn rear sight with adjustable fore-sight. The break-away breech tang is threaded for a tang sight. The barrel has a lovely grey/brown patina. It is a Remington barrel and stamped “REMINGTON” in a straight line on the underside. Remington barrels were used by many Canadian gunsmiths, in fact, more than half of the named barrels on Canadian guns were Remington barrels. The six groove .44 Cal. bore is clean with light pitting throughout. Fitted with its original ramrod with a brass worm attachment. Philo Soper was thought to be the finest gunsmith in Upper Canada (Ontario) by pioneer sportsmen. This must have some validity as Philo was commissioned to make a gun (a hunting/ target rifle) for the Prince of Wales for
his Canadian tour in 1860. This is an exceptionally fine example of a Canadian made gun with several unique features.
SOLD
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SOLDLG-2. THOMAS ELSWORTH MORTIMER, DOUBLE RIFLE: Circa 1834-1860. Serial No. 5848 dates this piece between 1840 and 1850. Beautiful burl walnut stock with most of its original varnish. Gold wrist escutcheon, chequered pistol grip and fore-end. Wonderful patch box engraved with Red Deer stag and hind in a pastoral scene. The barrels retain a lovely twist pattern throughout. The 17 bore
( .662 Cal.) has 2 groove rifling for a belted ball. This is a rare
feature on a double rifle of this quality. The bores are bright with very fine frost-like pitting throughout. They could be re-polished bright. The underside of the 30 inch barrels are stamped with London Proof and view stamps as well as “T.E.M.” (Thomas Elsworth Mortimer). The top rib is engraved “T.E. Mortimer Edinburgh, Late St. James St. London”. Three leaf sights of 100, 150, 200, yards. Platinum vented breech plugs. The locks made by Joseph Brazier, before 1850, (after 1850 he became “& SON”). Brazier was a renowned lock maker who worked at The Ashes Brick Kiln St. Wolverhampton, Staffordshire. The locks with hammer safeties are completely covered in foliate scroll engraving. The name “T.E. MORTIMER” over “GEORGE ST” is engraved so intricately into the foliate scroll engraving as to be unnoticeable. (Mortimer worked at 97 George St. from 1839 to 1854). All the parts are complete covered in the highest quality engraving and are quite spectacular. The overall length of the gun is 46 inches and weighs 8 ½ lbs. The rose-wood ramrod has a large brass covered screw worm on one end with a heavy brass dished rammer cup on the other end. Mortimer exhibited a double rifle such as this, at the London Exhibition in 1851 for which he won a prize medal. The Mortimer business amalgamated with John Dickson of Edinburgh and are still in business today. Their records for Mortimer still exist, however, half the page for this gun is missing. All that remains is that it has a pistol grip, is a
Best Gun of 17 bore and sold to a "Malcolm" whose last name is missing. This is an extraordinary piece in very fine condition.
P.O.R. (Price on Request)SOLD
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LG-3. PORTUGUESE ELIOTT CARBINE: .60 Cal. circa 1800. These were used by Light Dragoons. The lock-plate is engraved “PROPRIEDADE PARTICULAR” which translates to “Private Property”. There is a Crown over a Coat of Arms engraved on the trigger guard bow. Brass mounted, the trigger guard filial and the two ramrod thimbles are lightly engraved with little floral design. A small Proof mark of a Crown over “CD” in a circle appears on both the lock-plate and barrel. Overall length is 44 inches, barrel length is 28 inches. The wood is excellent and all iron parts are finished bright. The lock action is tight and crisp. The only major difference between this piece and a British Eliott is the ramrod fixation. It is quite normal for the Portuguese to have a British style weapon as Portugal was Britain’s longest standing ally in Europe. This is a great piece from the Napoleonic War. EXC.
$1850.00
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SOLDLG-4. (THOMAS) REDFERN, (BIRMINGHAM): 12 Gauge Percussion Double Shotgun. Circa 1837-1850. Lovely walnut stock with chequered wrist, silver wedge and wrist escutcheons, iron mounted, all parts lightly engraved with foliate scroll patterns. Lovely brown Damascus barrels with a twist pattern. Tight crisp locks, one hammer screw replaced.
V.G. $395.00SOLD
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SOLDLG-5. CANADIAN TRAINING GUN: Circa WWI. Commonly called the “tomato stake” as they were used by market gardeners for holding up tomato plants after the War. Made of walnut with brass cone “sights”. “C” Broad Arrow stamped on each side with one on the underside of the fore-end. Good. These are quite rare today.
SOLD
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SOLDLG-6. ENGLISH FOWLER: ….IND OF LONDON (the name is not
visible). .14 gauge, circa 1850. Very nice walnut stock with chequered wrist, silver wedge escutcheons and shield escutcheon under butt, and nose-cap. Iron mounted, all parts lightly engraved
in foliate fern patterns. The 33 ½ inch barrel is octagonal for 7 inches, multi-faced for 3 ½ inches, the balance round. Two Silver bands at the breech. The whole barrel is a lovely dark brown patina.
V.G.
$395.00SOLD
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LG-7. BRITISH P.1853, THIRD MODEL, VOLUNTEER RIFLED MUSKET: .577 Cal. Dated 1862. Commonly referred to as the U.S. Civil War Model as so many were imported by both sides during that great conflict. The lock is engraved “TOWER” over “1862” with a Crown at the tail. Tight crisp action. The stock is excellent with a little diamond carved into the right side of the butt. The barrel is a lovely dark black/brown patina. The bore has sharp rifling with some medium pitting. V.G.
$1550.00
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LG-8. W & J RIGBY CARBINE: 22 Bore made 1850. The “Rigby” Book by D.H.L. Back lists this Serial No. 10195 as being made in 1850 of 22 bore with a 24 inch barrel, a pair being ordered Serial Nos. 10194 & 10195 by a Mr. S. Low listed as “Carbines with Dirks, Rifled”. A picture of a similar carbine, however, with a socket bayonet is illustrated on page 97. These were most probably used by the Constabulary. Several others are also listed in the serial number directory. Lovely walnut stock, brass mounted. Back action lock engraved “W & J RIGBY” is tight and crisp. The barrel is a dark brown patina with a few small patches of pitting. The top flat at the breech is engraved “W & J RIGBY DUBLIN”. A leaf rear sight for 50 and 100 yards, captive ramrod and round bayonet bar like that for the Whitworth Sword Bayonet. V.G.
$1650.00
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SOLDLG-9. ALBANIAN “TANCHIKA”: Approximately .65 Cal. circa 1800. Very nicely engraved iron panels cover most of the stock. The overall length is 56 inches with a 43 ½ inch barrel with cannon mouth muzzle. The Miquelet lock has a nice little maker’s cartouche with Arabic script. Action is tight and crisp. Three brass barrel bands also nicely engraved. Complete with original ramrod.
Ref. Islamic Weapons by Tirri Pg. 156 V.G.
$1250.00SOLD
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SOLDLG-10. FRENCH INDIAN TRADE GUN: .70 Cal. circa 1750. 66 ¼ “ long! With a 50 5/8 inch barrel!. The barrel is octagonal for 10 inches at the breech; the remainder is round. No Proof marks are visible; however, they may be under the barrel as is quite common with French guns. We were not willing to remove the barrel as it appears never to have been apart. The lock is 5 7/8 inches long and is a “WARRANTED” English Lock of the Trade Pattern; “WARRANTED” across the tail and a Crown under the pan. The inside of the lock does not have a bridal over the tumbler which is typical of cheap trade locks. Also the lock-plate cavity appears original. The lock-plate screws line up perfectly through the stock which would not be the case with a replaced lock. Why and how this gun came to have an English lock remains a mystery. All the iron mounts are exactly as illustrated on Page 95 of “The French Trade Gun in North America” by Gladysz, however, a little larger. The one illustrated on page 95 has been cut down, this piece still in its original length, with what appears to be the original wood ramrod with a pewter tip. This is a rare and unusual trade gun in untouched condition.
V.G. SOLD
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LG-11. JOSEPH LANG, CANE GUN: .47 Cal. Smooth bore, circa 1837. The breech inside is engraved “PATENT J. LANG, HAYMARKET, LONDON NO. 82”. The action is cocked by placing the point of the cocking rod which also has a capping attachment at the other end into the hole on top of the breech block and pulling back until it clicks locked. The capping end holds a cap in place by a spring which when placed over the nipple is withdrawn leaving the cap in place on the nipple. By simply pulling the piece apart, the handle portion drops down and locks in place to take the form of a rifle stock. The entire metal cane is covered with an olive green paint, much of which remains. The lower portion is iron, the upper portion is brass with a wood handle. The muzzle still retains the original copper
banded tampion. It is quite rare to find an original cocking/capping tool with these cane guns. V.G.
$1500.00
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LG-12. BRITISH BROWN BESS MUSKET: .75 Cal. Circa 1810 with ring neck cock. The wood is very good with Inspector's initials “JB” behind side plate. The barrel is a smooth dark brown patina overall with clear proof marks. Tight crisp lock with clear markings. This is the standard arm of the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. V.G.
$2850.00
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LG-13. BRITISH MARTINI-HENRY MK IV: 450. Cal. Dated 1887. wood is VG with Enfield roundel and seldom seen MADRAS roundel as well. “OO” over “121” stamped on the right side of the butt. “P” over “813” and “B” over “1793” on the left
side; these are Indian Army Company stamps. The metal is a very nice dark blue/brown patina. Clear markings on the receiver “1793” the same stamp as on the butt is stamped on the left side of the receiver. Tight crisp action, bore is dark with light pitting. VG
$650.00
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LG-14: AUSTRIAN LEFT HAND SHUTZEN RIFLE: .60 Cal. circa 1820. The 31 inch octagonal barrel with nice dark grey patina is engraved on the top flat “SUEL IN WIEN”. Deep 7 groove rifling, some light pitting in the bore, however, it is clean and bright. The stock is very good, no cracks or breaks with very nice border carving. Brass furniture. Peep sight fitted at the rear of the barrel tang. Double set trigger. The original lock, which has been converted to percussion from flintlock, has been replaced and a reproduction flintlock lock plate. The original lock could be replaced, but some wood work would have to be done. The original lock and percussion bolster come with the gun. The palm rest looks original to the gun. It does, however, stop the ramrod from being full
length, it must have been a two piece ramrod as the end is threaded. The gun weighs in at almost 11 ½ pounds (5.2 Kg). This is a very interesting gun and must be a good shooter, hence the new lock. V.G.
$1450.00
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SOLDLG-15: BRITISH SNIDER ENFIELD MKII* .577 Cal. Dated 1858. Wood V.G. +. The barrel retains most of its original blue. A few minor dings ahead of the bands. Very nice clean bright bore with some very fine pitting. Complete with original cleaning rod and pin protector. V.G. +
$850.00SOLD
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SOLDLG16: BRITISH MARTINI-HENRY MKIII: .450 Cal. Dated 1882. Wood EXC. Small chip off at receiver. Metal is a very nice dark blue/brown. The bore is very good with a nice tight crisp action. The butt is stamped with “69”. This could be the Canadian 69th Annapolis Regt. Raised in 1869. EXC. $1100.00SOLD
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LG-17: BRITISH P.1853 FORAGER: 16 Gauge single barrel percussion shotgun. This is a very interesting piece as it is made
entirely from a P.1853 musket 2nd Model as indicated by the Proof marks. This is the model purchased by Canada by the 1855 Tache Commission. The stock still retains the cancelled Broad Arrows which are actually raised from the stock. and the lock has all its original military markings. There is no known reference to a British military foraging piece such as the Americans had; however, we believe this to have been made here in Canada as a military foraging piece, probably for one of the more remote battalions. It is finely made with silver escutcheons and nose-cap and chequered wrist. The metal is a very nice dark brown. Thin in spots. Complete with original ramrod.
V.G.
$850.00
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LG-18: PRUSSIAN M.1809/1839 INFANTRY MUSKET: .72 Cal. Dated 1832. This is a conversion from the M.1809 flintlock. Brass mounted, with German regimental markings on the butt-plate tang. These arms were surpluses in 1861 from the Prussians as they re-armed with the needle-fire guns. The U.S. Government bought 165,000 of these guns for the Civil War in 1861 and 1862. They were classified as third class weapons. The stock is very good. A piece has chipped away along side the barrel tang. The barrel is a lovely dark brown patina and dated 1832 at the breech. The rear block sight has had its profile altered, probably to increase accuracy. The “SUHL” lock is tight and crisp. V.G Ref. “Firearms from Europe” by Noe, Yantz & Whisker, page 93, 94, 99, 100, and 101.
$850.00.
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The following Martini-Henrys came to us from Botswana (formerly Bechuanaland, South Africa). They are all Trade Pattern pieces in .450 Cal and would have seen use during the Boer War. They were among the first Martinis purchased by the Boer Republic. For reference see
“SMALL ARMS OF THE ANGLO-BOER WAR 1899-1902”, by Ron Bester and Associates, available from our Book Department.
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LG-19A: . LIEGE MADE MARTINI, British Proofs on the barrel and Receiver. The right side of the receiver is stamped with British Proofs. The barrel and receiver are a nice dark black brown patina. Tight crisp action. The bore is lightly pitted throughout. The stock is most likely a Kaffir made replacement. Quite well done. This is a very interesting gun, one you wish could talk. V.G.
$595.00
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LG-19B: BRITISH MARTINI-HENRY, TRADE PATTERN. . .450 Cal. Made by the Braendlin Armoury Co. This could have been one of the 200 ordered from Henry King in 1888. (Ref. “Boer Rifles & Carbines of the Anglo-Boer War” Pg.57). The metal is very good with a smooth dark brown patina. The bore is Very Good, tight crisp action. The wood, however, is well-worn, the fore-wood cut back with the clearing rod channel filled. A very interesting early South African Martini. This is another one of those guns which you wish could talk! Good+
$595.00
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