Sale 9170
London, South Kensington
|
19 July 2001
Price realised
GBP 3,290
Estimate
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
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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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