2110 EXCEPTIONALLY FINE SCOTTISH SINGLE SHOT PERCUSSION

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 May 09 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 2,500.00 USD
Estimated at 5,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
STALKING RIFLE BY THOMAS GOULD OF EDINBURGH. Cal. 55. S# NSN. Thomas Gould is not listed in any of the common references as a gunmaker in Edinburgh or any other location. This rifle is beautifully made as are most Scottish guns and rifles of the period and closely resembles the work of Alexander Henry. Perhaps Gould was a journeyman gunmaker for Henry and this rifle was his masterpiece. It has 32" twist steel octagon barrel with under rib and is rifled with seven grooves. Top flat of barrel is file cut and fitted with square notch rear and sourdough front sights which appear to be later replacements. A 2-1/2" dovetail for express rear sight is filled. Barrel is engraved "THOMAS GOULD" on upper right flat and "EDINBURGH" on upper left. Bottom flat is stamped with Birmingham black powder proof and bore size "39". Case hardened breech plug with vented platinum blowout and scroll engraved breech iron are nicely filed in a style similar to that of Alexander Henry. Front spring percussion lock with flat faced serpentine hammer has front sliding stalking safety. Lock and hammer exhibit fine scroll engraving "THOMAS GOULD" is engraved at front under barrel. Trigger blade is checkered and steel trigger guard engraved with running stag on bow has checkered tang which extends to steel grip cap. Half stock of dense, dark, well figured European walnut measures 14-5/8" over checkered steel buttplate with short top tang. Tang is engraved with a recumbent stag. A standing stag graces spring loaded patchbox cover on right side of buttstock. Trigger plate has stylized pineapple finial reminiscent of that often found on Alexander Henry rifles. Stock also features beaded shadow line right hand cheekpiece, widely spaced point pattern checkering at grip and around forend, horn forend tip and a sling button along with a vacant silver oval on toeline. Original greenheart ramrod with horn tip and brass tail mounts through two plain pipes and nicely filed thimble. Stock attaches to barrel with captive side bolt through shaped and engraved steel escutcheons. CONDITION: exceptionally fine original finish, however stock has been broken through the wrist and repaired. Barrel retains over 90% original brown with fine definition to pattern. Nearly all original case hardening color remains on breech plug, iron and lock. Some bright blue remains on trigger guard. Trigger plate shows cleaning to silver. A large amount of original blue is on buttplate and patchbox exhibits over 90% color. Stock retains most of its original oil finish with a fair scattering of marks. Break through wrist shows evidence of repairs with some infill and re-cut checkering. Bore is bright and shiny. Lock is crisp. A very attractive well made rifle. PROVENANCE: from the renowned collection of quality sporting arms from Lewis Drake together with inventory of Lewis Drake Associates. (01-26129/MGM). ANTIQUE. $5,000-12,000.