Product Details
BERTRAND, PARIS
A FINE 20-BORE FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN, no visible serial number,
circa 1750, with re-blued slightly shortened 34 3/4in. triple-staged barrel signed in gold at the breech 'BERTRAND A'PARIS' within gilt scrolls, applied silver fore-sight surrounded with gilt scrollwork, gilt touch-hole, engraved top-tang, slightly curved bevel-edged stepped tail lockplate signed 'BERTRAND A'PARIS', the tail engraved with attributes of science, engraved hammer (repaired at neck), figured walnut full-stock carved in relief behind the barrel tang and rear ramrod pipe with scrolls, flowers and foliage, engraved iron furniture including shaped bevel-edged side-plate, the trigger guard bow engraved with a trophy of the chase, the butt-plate tang with a trophy of arms, three ramrod pipes and original iron tipped ramrod
Provenance: The Earl of Tankerville, Chillingham Castle, Northumberland.
Keith Neil Collection Reference G101
Research would indicate that the original owner was Charles Bennett, 3rd Earl of Tankerville who was a British peer and politician. He was born September 1716 and died October 1767. Between the years 1722 and 1753 he was styled Lord Ossulton, a subsidiary family title.
Other Notes: This and the following four Lots are formerly the property of W. Keith Neal and formed part of his collection.
William Keith Neal really needs no introduction to collectors of antique arms. Born in 1905 at Boxmoor, Hertfordshire to a Baptist minister, he showed a keen interest in ordnance from a remarkably early age and by the time he departed for prep' school had begun collecting in earnest. His acquisitions went on to form the largest and most important collection of British and European antique arms in the public domain; at its zenith it numbered almost 2,000 firearms. His interest was far broader than that of the fervent collector though; he had a thirst for knowledge and became a leading, perhaps The leading expert in his field. He was also a prolific writer and in conjunction with his friend Major David Black, wrote several reference works which are now regarded as the definitive on their subject.
Keith Neal died in 1990 and his collection was sold in three important sales; 1995, 2000 and 2001. Since then former items of his have come to market but it is unusual to see this many Lots being offered at one time.
Estimate £2,000-3,000