Add to calendar
Product Details
A MOST UNUSUAL 12-BORE PINFIRE AUTO-EXTRACTING SLIDE-FORWARDS DOUBLE-BARRELLED SPORTING GUN SIGNED REES L. LLOYD, no visible serial number,
built on an apparently unrecorded design circa 1865, with browned damascus 27in. barrels, the top-rib marked 'ESTO QUOD VIDERIS' (Be What You Are) flanked by panels of scroll engraving, bead fore-sight, the standing breech with fully scroll engraved top-tang and mounted with a chequered push-down catch to the right breast releasing the barrels to slide forwards, border and scroll engraved bar-action locks signed 'REES L. LLOYD, BELPER', scroll engraved hammers, the noses with concealed apertures on the underside to withdraw the cartridges via their pins, chequered walnut half-stock, blued iron furniture and horn fore-end finial, strong traces of colour and finish
Provenance: It would appear that this shotgun was a private commission through an unknown gunsmith for the non-conformist Church Minister Rees L. Lloyd of Belper. His motto 'esto quod videris' appears on the rib and his initials are engraved on the escutcheon on the underside of the stock. The actual patent appears unrecorded, and it is possible that Lloyd designed the gun himself. It is a single bite design which uses a long extension bar protruding from the underside of the top-rib which locks into an aperture on the breech-face. This is the only example known to us
Please click HERE to view Terms & Conditions. Please note all Lots are listed in accordance with UK Law, for overseas buyers, please ensure you are familiar with your relevant local firearms and customs regulations before bidding.
Estimate £1,000-1,500
Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the 1968 Firearms Act, to be held as a curiosity or ornament