BY HENRY TATHAM, LONDON, NO. 1478, CIRCA 1815-1816

Details

An 18-Bore D.B. Flintlock Sporting Gun
By Henry Tatham, London, No. 1478, circa 1815-1816
With rebrowned twist barrels signed 'H. Tatham Pall Mall, London.' on the rib, and with silver fore-sight, recessed patent breeches each with gold line, gold-lined maker's stamp, and platinum-lined touch-hole, finely engraved grooved tang inlaid with gold lines matching those on the breeches, serial numbered case-hardened engraved bevelled locks signed 'Tatham London/Late/Tatham & Egg', and each with large roller, stepped tail, 'French' cock, and rainproof pan (steels replaced), figured walnut half-stock (minor bruises, old inset repair at the front of the right lock), chequered grip, raised cheek-piece, engraved iron mounts including angular spur trigger-guard decorated with a pointer in a landscape and retaining traces of original blued finish, engraved silver butt-plate (engraving worn) with London silver hallmarks for 1796(?), case-hardened trigger-plate with pineapple finial, silver escutcheon, and iron-tipped ramrod, probably original, London proof marks, the barrels forged by William Fullerd
30 5/8in. (77.8cm.) barrels

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.

Lot Essay

Henry Tatham, Sr. (1770-1835) was appointed Sword Cutler and Beltmaker-in-Ordinary to King George III in 1798, and Gunmaker to the Prince of Wales in 1799. He was in partnership with Joseph Egg at 37 Charing Cross between 1801 and 1814. The signature on the barrel presumably refers to Henry Tatham, Jr., who is recorded at 24 Pall Mall from 1825 to 1834, and was probably added when the gun was sent to him for overhaul. The serial number '1478' accords with those of his father (see rifle No. 1508 made for presentation to Canadian Indian Chiefs, sold from the W. Keith Neal Collection in these Rooms, 9 November 2000, lot 65)

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