Today must be the day of odd muzzleloaders. Here is another like I have never seen.
AN UNUSUAL SKELETON-STOCK ENGLISH FLINTLOCK TAKE-DOWN FOWLER, by “BATE”, ca. 1770: In overall near excellent, untouched original flintlock condition. Very Fine quality, 42", octagonal-to-round, blued (75%+), gold washed, smoothbore, key-fastened, .62 caliber (approx. 18 Ga.) barrel with a silver fore-sight, a fine touch-hole and a sculpted, and rococo-vine scroll engraved, breech-plug/tang. The top of the breech with a gold damascened rococo panel with a “SERAIN A’ SAVMVR” French barrel maker’s marking, for Saumur Serain (Serrain) of Maine-et-Loire, France: who worked, ca. 1750 (Please see E. Heer’s: “Der Neue Stockel”, vol. 2, pg. 1155). Retains an untouched, smooth age patina with only some light patches of discoloration. Molded and relief carved, highly figured, English burr walnut, Take-Down fullstock with a detachable, key-fastened forestock and an unusual “Skeleton” type buttstock with a deeply fluted comb and a delicate wrist. A Classic, English, Georgian Period, raised carved apron, around the barrel-tang and the sidebolts and lock mortises with molded borders. Sculpted & chiseled steel mounts with extensive scroll-engravings and untouched, lightly-toned, smooth, gray surfaces: some light scattered discoloration. The trigger-guard with an etched and engraved floral-form forward finial and a Rose engraved bow. Two blossom-form sidebolt-escutcheons and complete with both of its sidebolts. A screw-fastened and pinned butt-plate with a floral vine-scroll-engraved finial, en suite. Three (3) barrel-type ramrod pipes and complete with its original horn-tip wooden ramrod. Flat lock/mechanism with choice “bright” steel surfaces, 90%+ polish, a clear “BATE” maker’s maker’s signature and in mechanically functional order with excellent timing and a strong mainspring. Edward Bate of London, UK: worked at Brownlow Street, Long Acre, London 1763-78 and was also a Contractor to the Board of Ordnance (Please see H. L. Blackmore’s: “Gunmakers of London…”, pg. 49). Early type waterproof powder-pan & roller type frizzen-spring with its gooseneck hammer with its teardrop-final frizzen spring. In overall near excellent untouched condition. The barrel with sharp contours and choice, blued & gold washed, steel surfaces with extensive rococo vine scroll accents and 75%+ finish. Very Fine stock with 95%+ finish, some light handling marks and sharp contours. The lock with 90%+ polish, clear markings, its original components and excellent timing. A Scarce & Unusual English Flintlock Take-Down Fowler w/ Rare Skeleton Butt, ca. 1770. Overall length, 54”. For a similar example, please see C. Blair’s: “European & American Arms 1100-1850”.
Price: $8,775.00
http://www.ambroseantiques.com/flongarms/bate.htm
Topic: Skeleton Stock (Read 1637 times)