Product Details
AN INTERESTING 80-BORE NEEDLE-FIRE SINGLE-SHOT RIFLE, SIGNED MOORE & HARRIS, serial no 431,
circa 1863, with two-stage 29 1/2in. micro-rifled barrel, bead fore-sight, rear-sight with one folding and one standing blade, Birmingham proofs, slim break-barrel action with central hammer, some border-line engraving, rotating bolt locking catch, chequered walnut butt-stock with long-spurred heel-plate, traces of original blued finish throughout and complete with a period pine packing case and some spare needles for the rifle.
Provenance: This lot is accompanied by a letter that reads as follows:
The Volunteer Armoury,
4 Derby Square,
Liverpool.
I take the liberty of drawing your attention to the various improvements which I have recently introduced in connection with the rifle, and which have already received the approval of many distinguished Patrons of the Volunteer Movement.
I shall be happy to forward one of each for your inspection.
Awaiting your reply
I am
Your Able Servant
W H Blanch
Other Notes: William Harnett Blanch was a grandson of the founder, John Blanch. Initially apprenticed to his Uncle, also William, he subsequently went on to form the firm of W. H. Blanch of 4 Derby Square, Liverpool (1861-67). William H. was a prolific inventor, particularly in the field of rifles, being responsible for the first vernier scale rifle sight to be used in Great Britain which dates from 1862
Estimate £500-700