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Original Cased Antique English Safari Double Gun by William Powell & Son
Guns International #: 100934448 Seller's Inventory #: 10310
Category: Antique Rifles - Percussion - Double Rifles - Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1447
Total Number of Listings: 29898
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
Antique English William Powell & Son Percussion Combination Gun
Cased & with Full Array of Accoutrements
Here we present an antique William Powell & Son Percussion Combination Gun, shipped to the buyer from the Powell shop in Birmingham, England on January 31st, 1866. The Powell business of fine arms manufacture began in 1802, and the business lives on today. A clue to our buyer is on both the gun and the ledger that comes with it: “Gro de Klerk” is the name engraved on the escutcheon on the left side of the stock, and the name also appears in the ledger with the matching serial number to this gun. This is a Dutch name, which comes as no surprise when you consider that such guns were made for safari and were popular in South Africa. The Dutch, of course, colonized South Africa in the 1650s and were at the head of its government until the late 20th century. In fact, the 7th and last state president of South Africa was F.W. de Klerk, who came from a long line of de Klerks.
This takedown gun is a side by side combination of a rifled bore and a smooth bore, ideal for hunting multiple quarry when one can only take one firearm. The left barrel has two groove rifling and is .50 caliber, while the right barrel is smooth and 29 bore. It has two triggers, the left of which is a “hair” trigger or a set trigger. The primary sights are a rear notch and front post, but there is also a ladder sight that goes out to 400 yards, a series of flip-up leaf sights, and then graduations on the barrel itself up to 17. The removable ladder sight simply slips over the muzzle and onto a track that ends just ahead of the foremost leaf sight. The ladder sight can be moved toward the breech or muzzle using the marks on the barrel rib for very long shots. The attached article features a similar rifle by Joseph Bourne of London, and explains the misconceptions and the actual use of such a system. The ladder sight has its own special compartment, just ahead of the patch box in the right side of the stock. Trigger guard comes back to form a pistol grip under the straight wrist.
This specimen is very beautifully finished and engraved. The maker, William Powell & Son, is marked on both sides of the frame and the top of the barrel rib. The rib is one inch in width. The frame, hammers, patch box and sight box, as well as all other metal parts are masterfully engraved with intricate scroll work. Case colors are still vibrant on the inside of the sight box door. Flip-up leaf sights maintain their gold center line, with one exception. Includes a sling mount on the barrel and one under the stock. Barrels show Birmingham proofs underneath.
Condition is overall very good. This has been very well kept for the last 150 years. The stock has nice figure and is in fine condition with the exception of a hairline crack at the wrist. This is most visually noticeable on the right view of the gun, but is not noticeable when holding the gun. It does not move and I would have no qualms shooting the gun. Checkering is excellent and sharp. Oiled finish. Patch box, sight box, lock and barrel all share the same gray patina and are intricately engraved. Bores are in fine condition. Action is excellent. Set trigger is functional. Removable ladder sight, barrels, stock and bullet mold bear all matching numbers.
This double gun comes with the original wooden case with the William Powell & Son label bearing their High Street, Birmingham address. It is green felt lined. Comes with a bullet mold for both round ball and conical ball that is numbered to the gun. Several examples of the mold’s products are also included. Also includes an oiler, patch and cap containers, bullet starter, key to the case and a large Dixon & Sons adjustable measure powder flask.
Finally, this fine piece comes with two pages out of the ledger William Powell that lists this gun among several others custom ordered by Short, Short & Co. It lists the serial number, inscription and the gun’s features. Here is a very beautiful gun with a distinguished beginning, notable features, and an interesting background.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction. Nothing else quite like it found worldwide.
Barrel is 31.5 inches in length (from hooks to muzzle).
Caliber: left bore has 2 grooves and is .50; right bore is smooth and 29 bore
Bores are in fine condition and the firing mechanism is excellent.
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Here is a very refined percussion gun custom-made for Africa.
Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
ancestryguns
$7000
#10310
SOLD
Antique: Yes