Fine Modern & Antique Arms - March 2024 : Sale A0324 Lot 520
A RARE EXPERIMENTAL .654 PERCUSSION 1ST MODEL BRUNSWICK 11-GROOVE RIFLE, no visible serial number,

Product Details

A RARE EXPERIMENTAL .654 PERCUSSION 1ST MODEL BRUNSWICK 11-GROOVE RIFLE, no visible serial number,
manufactured in 1836, with 30 1/4in. laminated barrel in the white (light staining), applied blade fore-sight, standing notch rear-sight with additional folding leaf, bayonet bar of round section on right side of muzzle, borderline engraved back action lock signed 'RL. MANUFACTORY ENFIELD' together with a crown over 'W.R.' device, walnut full-stock stamped on the right side 'I.C.R' (first class reserve) with iron furniture including large patchbox, spurred lower tang and two roll-ended ramrod thimbles, complete with its broad-ended iron ramrod

Provenance: The 11-groove Brunswick was manufactured in February 1836 and 2000 were ordered. During tests in June of the same year, it was pitted against a two-groove barrel with the opinion being found in favour of the latter. In January 1837, the initial order was changed to the two-groove barrel and the calibre altered to .704, as opposed to the original .654 prototype. The first issued guns were received in August 1837. This could be the only intact 11-groove version left in existence. Two more are known in collections but both have been sadly smoothbored



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Estimate £2,000-3,000