CIRCA 1785

Details

An Unusual 54-Bore Breech-Loading Air Gun
Circa 1785
With tapering sighted barrel inscribed (later?) 'Bunney & Charles Freeth, London.' within a loop at the breech, brass action of tapering rectangular section finely engraved with flowers and foliage, signed 'Charles Freeth London', and fitted with sprung loading gate on the left side, engraved iron cocking lever, and figured walnut butt without butt-plate, inlaid with shells, scrolls, and a martial trophy, all in silver wire, with its iron spherical reservoir
36in. (91.4cm.) barrel

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Joseph Bunney and Charles Freeth are both known as Birmingham silversmiths, and the former was also a Birmingham gunmaker, who signed his guns 'London'. However the combined signature on this air gun appears to be unknown elsewhere

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