Product Details
GEORGE SNOWDON, ALNWICK
A CASED 13-BORE PERCUSSION DOUBLE-BARRELLED SPORTING GUN, no visible serial number,
circa 1850, with re-browned twist iron 34in. barrels, the top-rib signed 'SNOWDON ALNWICK', borderlines and a pointer's head engraved at the breech-end, platinum vents, fully scroll engraved top-tang, border, scroll and gamescene engraved bar-action locks signed 'SNOWDON', scroll engraved slab-sided hammers, walnut half-stock chequered at the wrist, iron heel-plate with engraved top-spur, scrolled trigger-guard tang forming a pistol-grip, the trigger-guard bow engraved with borders and a hunting dog, pineapple finial, engraved ramrod throat and original brass mounted mahogany ramrod, TOGETHER WITH a possibly associated wood storage case lined in dark green baize and containing a number of period accessories including a powder and shot flask, a cap tin and a later top-card dispenser
Other Notes: George Snowdon did not have an easy entrance to the gunmaking business. Originally apprenticed to Mr George Davidson, a gunmaker also operating in Alnwick (between 1810 and 1826 in Market Place), life became unbearable to the young George Snowdon and he ran away in 1820, prompting his then employer to put up a reward of three guineas for his capture and imprisonment. Click HERE to view an image of the reward notice. What exactly transpired is unknown, but Snowdon went on to open a gunmaking business of his own which successfully operated at 30 Narrowgate between 1833 and 1858
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Estimate £800-1,200