John Hayton Grahamstown South Africa Percussion Double Barrel Cape Gun RARE Engraved SxS Safari Rifle Shotgun
Guns International #: 101820153 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Drilling & Combination Guns - Rifles - African Dangerous Game Safari Double

Seller's Information
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Seller: Jeremiah Johnson Trading
Company: Jeremiah Johnson Trading
Member Since: 1/27/12
First Name: Greg
Last Name: Schimetschek
State: Connecticut
Zip: 06423
Country: United States
Phone: (860) 873-1092
Number of Active Listings: 4
Total Number of Listings: 217
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
3 days
Payment Types Accepted: Check (personal checks take 7-10 days to clear), money order, credit card (no fee), or wire

About Us: Jeremiah Johnson Trading is one of the most experienced and trusted dealers of pre-1899 antique arms with over 40 years of collecting. We specialize in Colt, Winchester, Remington, Smith & Wesson, Parker, large-bore fowling guns, Revolutionary & Civil War arms, collectible Bowie & folding knives and more! We are also avid collectors of historic race cars & memorabilia. Visit us online at jeremiahjohnsontrading or find us on Facebook and Instagram.


Description:

*SALE PENDING* Jeremiah Johnson Trading is one of the most experienced and trusted dealers of antique arms with over 40 years of collecting. We also specialize in antique cars & petroliana, Revolutionary and Civil War artifacts, 19th century nautical & western memorabilia, early Bowie and folding knives, American folk art, and colonial era furnishings. Visit us online at JeremiahJohnsonTrading or find us on Facebook. Our shop is located at 1622 Saybrook Rd. Haddam, CT. Look for the gold '55 Chevy road sign! ~Trades and offers are always considered~ Fine & Rare John Hayton, Grahamstown, South Africa, Engraved Percussion Double Barrel Safari Cape Gun, 18 Ga x .451 (52 Bore) Belted Ball, mfg. circa 1850-1873. Cape guns, or "combination guns" as they were called in America, were very popular among safari hunters during the Victorian era as they offered the ability to take on a full range of game from birds to lion and Cape buffalo without need of carrying a second weapon. John Hayton was born in England in 1818 and moved to South Africa at the age of 18. He settled in Grahamstown in 1843 and began his gunsmithing trade about 1850. Hayton was one of the most prolific makers of sporting guns in the region and his rifles and Cape guns were highly prized and sought after by game hunters. Typical of most gunmakers in the British Empire the majority of components for Hayton's guns were sourced from England and finished and serialized at his retail store in Grahamstown. The gun offered here is a best quality example of Hayton's work that has survived in outstanding condition. The heavy Birmingham proofed Damascus barrels measure just over 30" long and feature a dovetailed iron base front sight with German Silver blade accompanied by a 7-leaf Express rear sight with platinum center lines. The matted full length upper rib measures 1" wide and is inlaid with platinum squares numbered from 1-20. Some will say that the purpose of the numbered rib is simply for measuring game which it could be used for since the numbers are spaced in exact 1" increments however it's true purpose is for sighting objects at very long distances. The sides of the rib are grooved to accept a standing ladder sight which could be slid down the length of the rib and aligned in conjunction with the numbers to determine range. The top flat is inscribed "JOHN HAYTON GRAHAMSTOWN 8908" with a platinum boarder inlay, platinum blow plugs, and fine scroll engraving over the breech. The gun is beautifully engraved throughout with "J . HAYTON" inscribed on both locks and a proud male African lion engraved on the patchbox. The barrels retain 85%+ period re-browned Damascus finish while the locks, Express sights, patchbox, and furniture show 85%+ bright original fire bluing with very sharp engraving. The stock is nicely figured and features a checkered wrist and forearm with a silver shield nameplate escutcheon. I suspect this must have been made for a fairly tall fellow as the LOP measures approximately 14" to the left trigger and 15 1/4" to the right trigger. The wood retains 80%+ original varnish overall with light wear on the forearm and no cracks, chips, or repairs. Original iron buttplate, patchbox, triggerguard, wedge escutcheons, forend tip, ramrod pipes, and sling eyes. The brass tipped wood ramrod may be original or is at least a proper period working replacement. Serial number "8908" which is inscribed atop the barrels is also stamped under the barrels and in the stock. Both actions are perfectly crisp and function flawlessly as if new. Both nipples are perfect originals. The right smoothbore tube measures approximately .642" for ball or shot while the left tube features distinct 2-groove rifling for a belted ball measuring approximately .452" across the lands and .506" across the grooves. The smooth barrel has fine pinprick surface pitting scattered throughout with several spots of heavy rust beginning to form yet I think it will improve much with an aggressive cleaning. The rifling shows light wear overall with fine typical blackpowder frosting. The thick-walled barrels appear sound with no dents or rib separation. Weight is a hefty yet manageable 9 lbs 7 oz. The term "Cape gun" tends to get thrown around loosely when discussing combination sporting longarms however all will agree that this is the real deal! A very fine and impressive Victorian safari rifle that will be a highlight amongst any collection. Jeremiah Johnson Trading sells antique firearms manufactured prior to 1899 and muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions only. For the purpose of these conditions the term "antique firearm" will hence include muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions. Buyers must be 21 years of age or older and have no felony convictions to purchase antique firearms. Antique firearms do not require Federal licensing and may be shipped directly to the buyer with the following exceptions. No antique firearms will be shipped to Washington D. C. or any of the five boroughs of New York City (or residents thereof). Some restrictions may apply to antique firearms shipped to California and will be noted in the item description if applicable. Any handgun (antique or muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction) shipped to New Jersey must ship to a licensed FFL holder. Any muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction rifle, shotgun, or handgun shipped to Illinois must ship to an FFL holder. No international sales of antique firearms which may fire conventional metallic cartridges or any reproductions regardless of ignition. Antique muzzleloaders, or antiques which fire obsolete cartridges, may be shipped internationally however it is the responsibility of the buyer to know and abide by their local laws and provide proof that the antique arm is legal to receive and own. Payment can be made by money order, banker's check, personal check, or credit card (no fees). Please allow 7-10 business days for clearance on personal checks. If paying by credit card please call us directly to process your order. If not satisfied with an item within 3 days of receiving it, simply return the item in the same condition as shipped for a full refund, minus return shipping costs. Cleaning, disassembly, or altering of a firearm in any way will void inspection privileges. Layaway may be allowed upon negotiation, but will void inspection privileges. Buyer pays actual shipping & insurance costs. Occasionally a post-1898 firearm from my personal collection may be sold under this account however it will be noted that any such transaction is a personal sale in no way affiliated with our business. Any such arm will be shipped to a licensed FFL or C&R holder in accordance with Federal law. All firearms are sold as collector's items and are not warranted safe for shooting. Please consult a competent gunsmith prior to shooting any firearm. Message or call with any questions about this firearm, or any of our other items at 860-873-1092 (office) or 860-345-2100 (shop).

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: John Hayton
Model: Cape Gun
Serial Number: 8908
Barrel Length: 30
Bore: 18 Gauge x .451 Belted Ball
Weight: 9 lbs 7 oz
Manufacture Date: 1850-1873
Engraving: Yes