hammergun in full working order
Holt’s Auctioneers is selling a 16-bore single-barrelled toplever hammergun made by London gunmaker E. M. Reilly around 130 years ago.
Chris Beaumont explains why this hammergun caught his eye when cataloging in excess of 800 Lots for the September auction: “For a gun to capture the imagination and pluck at the heart strings, it doesn’t have to be expensive, ornate - or even have two barrels. This little Reilly 16-bore is being offered at just £300 - but it’s one of my favourites in the auction. Even with the proof marks dating it to pre-1887, it still remains in perfectly shootable order (though not nitro proofed) and it has so many nice quality touches to it how could it not appeal? A floating lockplate as usually associated with Purdey, very nicely patterned damascus barrel - horn finial and an early rendition of the ubiquitous Anson push rod fore-end release. To me, it conjures up thoughts of sitting in the woods, Thermos of tea to hand and thoughts of pigeon for supper.”
The gun features a 27 5/8in. black powder only bold damascus barrel, the breech end with short sight flat engraved 'E.M. REILLY & CO. 277 OXFORD STREET, LONDON.', 2 1/2in. chamber, bored approx. 1/2 choke, carved percussion fence, rebounding back-action 'island' lock, fine border and acanthus scroll engraving, retaining slight traces of original colour-hardening, 14 1/4in. stock, fore-end with Anson push rod release catch and horn finial, weight 4lb. 11oz.
Estimate: £300-500.
For sale in London on Thursday 15th September.
For press enquiries, contact Selena Barr at Tweed Media via selena@tweed-media.com.
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