Lot 32
32
A RARE BREECH-LOADING FLINTLOCK RIFLED VOLUNTEER CARBINE ON THE CRESPI SYSTEM with rebrowned twist sighted barrel rifled with eight grooves and retained by two iron barrel-bands, the rear one cut to retain the point of the socket bayonet and joined to the iron saddle-bar, sprung tip-up breech-chamber signed on the top flat and retained in the locked position by a hinged lever engaging with a rounded projection on each side of the breech, signed and engraved stepped bevelled lock of Hennem construction, later figured walnut full stock, chequered grip, brass mounts including butt-plate and trigger-guard, the latter pierced for a bayonet clip (missing), vacant brass escutcheon, and later rebrowned reversable bayonet with characterictically chequered socket, by Durs Egg, London, London proof marks, circa 1785

Details
A RARE BREECH-LOADING FLINTLOCK RIFLED VOLUNTEER CARBINE ON THE CRESPI SYSTEM with rebrowned twist sighted barrel rifled with eight grooves and retained by two iron barrel-bands, the rear one cut to retain the point of the socket bayonet and joined to the iron saddle-bar, sprung tip-up breech-chamber signed on the top flat and retained in the locked position by a hinged lever engaging with a rounded projection on each side of the breech, signed and engraved stepped bevelled lock of Hennem construction, later figured walnut full stock, chequered grip, brass mounts including butt-plate and trigger-guard, the latter pierced for a bayonet clip (missing), vacant brass escutcheon, and later rebrowned reversable bayonet with characterictically chequered socket, by Durs Egg, London, London proof marks, circa 1785
33in. barrel
Provenance
The Hon. J.V.B. Saumarez, Sotheby & Co., 30 November, 1962, lot 82
Literature
Howard L. Blackmore, Guns and Rifles of the World, No. 376

Lot Essay

In February 1785 thirty carbines of this type were ordered from Durs Egg to be sent for trials by four regiments of Light Dragoons

In 1784 Jonathan Hennem, an arms contractor of Lewisham, produced a screwless lock in which the springs and moving parts were secured by clips and spigots instead of screws. See Howard L. Blackmore, British Military Firearms, pp. 87-89, pl. 23

More from The Wilfrid Ward Collection of Arms & Armour

View All
View All