3228

CASED BILLINGHURST HEAVY BARREL UNDER HAMMER

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
CASED BILLINGHURST HEAVY BARREL UNDER HAMMER

PERCUSSION MATCH RIFLE WITH TELESCOPIC SIGHT. Cal. 52. NSN. Bbl. 28" heavy 15 lb. oct. to rnd., 1 1/2" diameter w/ 1.125" false muzzle attached w/ 4 long pins & folding latch which attaches to raised pins on bbl., brass, steel plunger starter & heavy brass collar for false muzzle. Bbl. marked on top flat “W. BILLINGHURST ROCHESTER”, 31" unmarked blued steel telescopic sight w/ crosshairs, attached by adj. turret elevation mt. rear of tang. Under hammer lock cleverly utilizes trigger bow as mainspring. Varnished stock, checkered wrist, crescent shaped steel buttplate. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: compartmented contemporary casing includes 3 cleaning/loading rods, cap tin & other accessories. Also included in casing are 2 old advertising photographs of target shot w/ 100 consecutive rds. by marksman BF Green & a photograph most likely of Green. William Billinghurst (1807-1880) was renowned inventor & rifle manufacturer & his name is found on several patented arms of the 19th century. Large framed photograph of previous auction catalog entry of this rifle w/ blowups of the 2 enclosed photographs. CONDITION: good to very good overall, bbl. has overall plum patina w/ traces of thin blue, scope retains about 80% of its bright blue finish w/ light pitting on bottom. Bbl. markings partially obscured by 3 drilled holes for earlier sighting system, there is also empty dovetail slot near muzzle for earlier sight. Optics appear fine, protective cap retained opposite eyepiece. Wrist has 2 hairline cracks, one professionally glued repaired on left side through checkering, otherwise stock is very good retaining much of its original varnish finish w/ scattered cosmetic blemishes especially on right side where it rubbed in case. Casing solid w/ functional key, soiled & worn compartments, components are good. Mechanics are fine, crisp rifled bore. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Gary Parietti. (01-19810/JS). ANTIQUE. $2,000-3,000.