A Fine Cased 13-Bore D.B. Percussion Gun for Ball or Shot
With 30 inch browned twist barrels signed on the rib and with silver fore-sight, engraved case-hardened patent breeches each with pierced platinum plug, grooved case-hardened tang finely engraved with scrollwork, signed serial numbered scroll engraved case-hardened patent locks each with vertical sear (Patent No. 4577 of 30 July 1821), and vertical projection allowing the lock-retaining screw to pass through the patent breeches, figured walnut half-stock, chequered grip, scroll engraved iron mounts, silver escutcheon, original brass-mounted ramrod, and some original finish: in fitted mahogany case lined in blue velvet, complete with a spare pair of locks and numerous accessories including planished iron powder-flask, shot flask, nipple wrench, wad punch, ball mould, turn screws etc plus a vintage pair of shooting gloves, the lid with trade label of William Smith, No. 59 Princes Street, Leicester Square for circa 1820-30, the exterior with flush-fitting carrying handle and circular escutcheon, London proof marks, barrel maker’s mark of Charles Lancaster.
Provenance: Admiral Sir Edward Codrington
Thence by descent to General Sir Frederick Codrington. William Keith Neal Christies 9th November 2000 Lot 19
Literature: Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, The Mantons: Gunmakers, p. 102, plates 43, 44, 56, 57
Idem, British Gunmakers Their Trade Cards, Cases and Equipment 1760-1860, plate 397
D.H.L. Back, The Mantons 1782-1878, p. 52, plates 40a-b, 57a-b
Notes: Admiral Sir Edward Codrington (1770-1851), of Dodington in Gloucestershire, was a distinguished naval officer who experienced active service throughout the Napoleonic Wars, including the Battle of Trafalgar, and then, in 1814, in North America. In 1826 he was appointed Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean and became involved in the War of Greek Independence, culminating in victory at the Battle of Navarino on 20 October 1827. Though the battle was politically controversial, Codrington received many honours, eventually reaching the highest rank in the Navy, from which he retired in 1842.