A CASED 15-BORE FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN

Details

A CASED 15-BORE FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN

BY H.W. MORTIMER & CO., LONDON, CIRCA 1800-1805

With rebrowned twist sighted barrel, patent breech with oval gold-lined maker's stamp, engraved gold line and gold-lined touch-hole, tang engraved with a hare and foliage, signed bevelled lock (cock replaced, steel refaced, pan pitted) with engraved stepped tail, roller, and rainproof pan, figured walnut half-stock (replaced during the gun's working life), chequered grip, engraved iron mounts (minor pitting) including trigger-guard with urn finial, silver barrel-bolt escutcheons, horn fore-end cap, and later brass-mounted ramrod: in original mahogany case, partly relined and refitted, with some accessories including Sykes copper flask, and iron combination tool, the lid with illustrated trade label and flush-fitting carrying handle, London proof marks
32 1/8in. barrel

Lot Essay

The firm of H.W. Mortimer & Co. was formed in 1799 and ended in 1806
The trade label is of the type illustrated in W. Keith Neal & D.H.L. Back, British Gunmakers Their Trade Cards, Cases and Equipment, plate 215

An old hand-writted note signed by the late owner and sold with this lot reads: 'This gun came from the collection of Mr. Hillier of Kings Caple near Hereford. It is in its original case - & is of interest being signed H.W. Mortimer & Co on both lock and patent breech. The label is rare too. H.W. Mortimer & Son & T. Mortimer. It appears to date from about 1805. This company cannot have lasted long as it does not appear in Bland's list of 1812 or any of Hawkers from 1st edition onwards. It has a particularly good twist barrel & has had a lot of use, probably a good shooting gun'

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