Product Details
VICKERS, LONDON
A MOST UNUSUAL .650 PERCUSSION RIFLED CARBINE, no visible serial number,
first half of the 19th century, with browned ribbon damascus 22in. barrel rifled in the Baker style with seven grooves, bead fore-sight, standing notch rear-sight with additional folding leaf, acanthus leaf and trophy engraved breech-block and top-tang, borderline, acanthus leaf and trophy engraved bar-action lock with slab-sided 'scent-bottle' style hammer, walnut half pistol-grip full-stock with iron furniture including large patch-box, heel-plate, trigger-guard and swivels and captive iron pan-head swivel ramrod, much finish remaining
Other Notes: Joseph Vickers (senior) was a a lockmaker working under Alexander Forsyth in the Tower Armouries and was also Chief Mechanic to the Forsyth Patent Gun Company in 1808. He was dismissed by Forsyth in 1809 and after setting up business as a gunmaker in his own right in Steward Street and Goswell Street was then prevented by legal action taken out by Forsyth from making percussion locks. His son, also Joseph Vickers became a gunmaker as well working in Gloucester Street, Stepney. This carbine is most probably a special purchase ordered by an officer circa 1835, but there is a possibility it was originally destined to be a scent bottle lock or assembled from parts obtained illegally by Vickers Senior.
Please click HERE to view Terms & Conditions.
Estimate £700-900