Lot Essay
Keith Neal's typewritten note of 1960, pinned to the interior of the lid, gives instructions for the use of this rifle, which, when correctly prepared 'will shoot very well and with great power.'
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BY EDWARD BATE, LONDON, CIRCA 1775
Details
A Rare Cased 60-Bore 'Flintlock' Air Rifle
By Edward Bate, London, circa 1775
With sighted two-stage barrel (some rust stains) with turned girdle, signed on the octagonal breech and engraved with a band of beadwork at the rear, finely engraved tang, flat bevelled lock signed inside and outside and finely engraved with flowers and foliage on the pierced cock and stepped tail, blued steel-spring, and some original blued finish on the internal working parts, figured walnut full stock (minor bruises) carved in relief with a shell behind the barrel tang, take-down fore-end, finely engraved iron mounts including shaped solid side-plate, set trigger, and horn-tipped ramrod (some surface rust and light pitting): in lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories including brass pump (foot-plate replaced) and two spherical copper reservoirs, the stepped lid with trade label of Isaac Riviere, 315 Oxford Street, London, the exterior with flush-fitting carrying handle
36in. (91.5cm.) barrel
By Edward Bate, London, circa 1775
With sighted two-stage barrel (some rust stains) with turned girdle, signed on the octagonal breech and engraved with a band of beadwork at the rear, finely engraved tang, flat bevelled lock signed inside and outside and finely engraved with flowers and foliage on the pierced cock and stepped tail, blued steel-spring, and some original blued finish on the internal working parts, figured walnut full stock (minor bruises) carved in relief with a shell behind the barrel tang, take-down fore-end, finely engraved iron mounts including shaped solid side-plate, set trigger, and horn-tipped ramrod (some surface rust and light pitting): in lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories including brass pump (foot-plate replaced) and two spherical copper reservoirs, the stepped lid with trade label of Isaac Riviere, 315 Oxford Street, London, the exterior with flush-fitting carrying handle
36in. (91.5cm.) barrel
Special notice
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.