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BIG 1850's English 6 Bore Percussion Elephant Gun .92 Cal Dangerous Game Ball Rifle - Early Safari History! *RARE*
Guns International #: 102161031 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Single Shot Rifles - Bore or Gauge - Shotguns - 4 and 8 Gauge
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
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: 3
Total Number of Listings: 253
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 50 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* Rare Butterfield, Bradford, England 6 Bore Percussion Dangerous Game "Elephant Gun" Ball Rifle, 6 GA smoothbore, mfg. circa 1850's. This is a very cool working "elephant gun" in the same style as those used by some of the greatest hunters of all time including Frederick Courteney Selous and Sir Samuel Baker. Purpose built 6 and 4 bore rifles were very costly being made to special order so typically hunters would acquire big wildfowling guns and cut them down for quick handling on horseback. Smoothbores were preferred for their quick reloading abilities and since game was shot at alarmingly close range the accuracy of long barrels was not needed. The recoil from firing massive quarter pound balls backed by huge charges of blackpowder from these relatively lightweight guns was notorious however and Sir Samuel Baker famously suffered with severe nerve damage due to this throughout his later years. This example is in the classic form of an early Victorian elephant gun having been shortened in period and showing all the wear and character one would expect from a gun that spent countless years on safari in Africa. The massive Birmingham proofed damascus barrel measures just over 21" long with an inside muzzle diameter of .923" and is fitted with a small brass blade front sight. The first 8" is octagon transitioning to hexadecagon then to round at a huge 1/2" wide wedding band turning. The metal shows much wear overall with a rich dark plum/chocolate patina which is just beginning to thin to gray around the lock and barrel sides. The gun is engraved throughout in fine English scrolls with "BUTTERFIELD BRADFORD" inscribed on the top flat of the barrel and "BUTTERFIELD" on the lock. The stock features a checkered wrist with nickel silver escutcheon and retains a lovely untouched finish with a thick naturally aged and worn patina. Initials "JHV" are lightly carved opposite the lock. There is an old crack running the length of the forearm along the bottom side with some old worn slivers missing on the right edge and minor chipping at the tip of the comb. The forend cap was lost or otherwise removed during the period of use and the ramrod was omitted. This was actually typical among early elephant guns as many hunters preferred to have them loaded by porters who carried the ramrods themselves. Engraved iron buttplate, barrel tang, triggerguard, and wedge escutcheons. The hammer securely clicks back and releases however the mainspring appears to be either broken or missing. The original nipple is greatly deteriorated from age and use. Weight of the gun is 9 lbs 7 oz. A wonderful early British elephant gun straight out of the most romanticized era in dangerous game history! 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: Butterfield
Model: Elephant Gun
Barrel Length: 21
Bore: 6 Bore
Weight: 9 lbs 7 oz
Manufacture Date: Circa 1850's
Engraving: Yes