Guns International #: 102859900
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Guns International #: 102859900
Category - Antique Shotguns - Percussion
- Shotguns - English
FINE JOHN BLISSETT 14 BORE SINGLE BARREL PERCUSSION SPORTING GUN, ORIGINAL MAKER'S CASE WITH TRADE LABEL
Description: A great single barrel percussion sporting gun with original finish in its original mahogany case with a rare trade label. This little gem is by John Blissett (1808-72) as marked on the lock plate and top flat at the breech end of the barrel. Nigel Brown in "London Gunmakers" notes that John was a jeweler as well as a gunmaker beginning in 1832. John was the son of Isaac Blissett (1777-1847) who Brown notes was a "hair mfr, perfumerer and jeweller" from 1808-22 and a "gun dlr and mkr" from 1822-46. It appears to me that Isaac sold this gun when new. As noted, Isaac was a gun dealer as well as a maker and the case, which appears original to the gun, contains Isaac Blissett's label rather than John's. It is interesting to me, and certainly rare, that this almost two hundred year old sporting gun and case are a father and son collaboration. For historical context, consider that the father was born the year after America declared independence from England. As you'll see if you read on, the barrel of this gun was also made by one of England's greatest barrel makers, Charles Lancaster. All in all, that's an impressive resume and recommendation for this fine gun. The gun features a 29 1/4" damascus barrel marked "CL" under the breech end for Charles Lancaster with a good bore that goes from octogon at the breach, to hexadecagon, to a wedding band, to round and a fine brass bead front sight with a lovely old rebrown finish. Charles Lancaster was well respected and made barrrels for the likes of Joseph Manton, the father of the modern shotgun and of the London gun trade's reputation for producing the best sporting arms in the world still today. The top flat is engraved "JOHN BLISSETT, 321 HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, MAKER TO HRH THE DUKE OF SUSSEX," which is slightly softened but clearly discernable. The barrel is marked under the breech end with the view and definitive London proofs, "15," although I believe the gun is closer to a 14 bore, and the serial number "1395." A small charming bird dog's head and borders are skillfully engraved on the double gold lined breech with platinum blow out plug. Some original color case hardening is still visible on the breech plug. The excellent bar action lock is internally serial numbered "1395," a practice that in my experience is associated with and denotes a better gun, and has a beautiful four screw bridle, all internals still in their original high polish. The plate is fully engraved with acanthus leaf scroll, what appears to be an English setter springing an anxious pheasant, and a border all the way around its permieter and shows considerable original case coloring. It is mechanically perfect, of course. The walnut stock is in fine condition, with excellent fine but deep pointed checkering at the wrist and an ebony nose cap. There is a repaired crack to the left side of the forearm. All furniture is iron, mostly browned out but with traces of original blueing upon the butt plate tang. All engraved with acanthus leaf scroll. The serial number "1395" is engraved upon the trigger guard tang. The single barrel key is surrounded by oval Britannia metal escutcheons. There is a vacant Britannia metal rectangular escutcheon with clipped corners on top of the wrist. All in its original brass bound mahogany case, lined with a lovely fine dark royal blue velvet, complete with a rare original label which reads "I. BLISSETT, / Gun Maker, / To His Royal Highnesfs the / DUKE OF SUSSEX, / No. 69, Leadenhall Street, London," and including the original small skeleton key to the fully functioning lock. The back left brass corner is absent but a cast blank to replace the absent corner is included. The key escutcheon is also missing but would be easily replaced with some flat stock to be identical to the vacant brass name plate in the center of the case lid. Also included are damaged and unserviceable powder and shot flasks and a handful of wads. Price: $3,200.00 Antique: Yes Contact Seller |
Guns International #: 102859900
Guns International #: 102859900