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Joseph Tirebuck DB 18-Bore Hunting Rifle
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80022
An Exceptional DB Flintlock Sporting Rifle:
English. ca. 1815. SN 210. 18 Bore (16.19 mm) 0.637 cal. Quite easily, the ultimate example of a Regency period flintlock sporting rifle. Perhaps the best English sporting rifle ever made. Signed in 5 different locations: Joseph Tirebuck, London (1,2). The rifle has wonderful English browned, twist barrels (30 in.) with an excellent symmetrical pattern their entire length. The barrel group is engraved “Hay-Market London” in old English script on the elevated top rib. It is equipped with a silver bead fore-sight, and an under-mounted ramrod retention bar. London Proofs, and barrel forge stamp of William Fullerd (WF). Color case hardened, recessed, water proof patent breeches, each with platinum lined touch hole locking into the steel when closed. The central rib with platinum inlaid maker’s poincon signed in raised letters: “Tirebuck London” together with a crown and bordered top and bottom by platinum lines. The top tang is engraved with scrollwork and a dog on a matted ground gazing at a bird in flight. (Traces of color.). Engraved, color case hardened locks signed “Joseph Tirebuck, London” and numbered internally. Rainproof pans, each with roller frizzen marked “Jos. H. Tirebuck Patent” and with detachable internal plates retaining a leather seal. Engraved iron wood protectors in front of each lock. Figured walnut half-stock with chequered grip and raised cheek-piece. Finely engraved, charcoal blued iron mounts and butt plate. Engraved trigger plate with pineapple finial. Oval silver wrist escutcheon engraved with initials. Original brass tipped ramrod with concealed extractor and brass cap, and retaining all of its original finish. Overall length is 46.375 in.; (117.8 cm). Weight is 6.81 lbs; (3.01 Kg). William Keith Neal Collection Tag G261.
Condition: Condition is extra fine, as new. After close inspection, the rifle appears to be in un-fired condition. Mechanics are crisp with very strong mainspring pressure on both locks. Hammer draws are aligned and identical. Bores are brilliant. Screw slots are in extremely fine condition, all indexed correctly, and essentially unused. Full and original finish on the stock. Excellent browned and symmetric, English damascus twist pattern on the barrels. An outstanding quality, early hunting rifle in an incredible state of preservation.
Discussion: This rifle has many unique and premium features not typically found on contemporary rifles of this period. Notably, the water-proof locks have a machined frizzen incorporating an ingenious leather water seal. The touch hole is actually a platinium tube with a flaired end which fits into the ignition pan, and is covered by the machined frizzen. This incredible design keeps the powder dry during hunting, even in mist or light rain. In addition, the case-hardened and moulded breach block is of a design which facilitates water drainage away from the pan. This combination of modifications was actually patented by Tirebuck, hence the inscription, “Jos. H. Tirebuck Patent.” Curator's Footnotes: • The 18 bore is an excellent choice as a diversified bird gun for ducks, pheasants, turkey, etc. It does not possess the overcapacity of a 12 or 16 bore, but is much more powerful and range appropriate than a 20 bore, giving tight shot groupings, with excellent spread. The 18 bore is also a light carry, and easily accommodated on a 6-8 hr day of hunting. Provenance: Holt’s; Church Farm Barns, Wolferton, UK: Lot: 410; 7 DEC 2020. Antiques Trade Gazette 09 MAY 2020; Print Issue #2441. "A Collection to Fire the Imagination."
Christies, London: Lot: 77; 09 NOV 2000. £7,285 with premium. "The William Keith Neal Collection" Tag: G26 Bibliography:
1. Joseph Tirebuck is recorded as working at 60 Haymarket, London between 1813-16. Blackmore, Howard (1986). A Dictionary of London Gunmakers 1350-1850, ISBN [0-7148-8021-3] p. 190.
2. Heer, Eugene (1978). Der Neue Stockel; Vol 2, p. 1288. Journal Verlag Schwend GmbH; Schwabisch Hall.
An Exceptional DB Flintlock Sporting Rifle:
English. ca. 1815. SN 210. 18 Bore (16.19 mm) 0.637 cal. Quite easily, the ultimate example of a Regency period flintlock sporting rifle. Perhaps the best English sporting rifle ever made. Signed in 5 different locations: Joseph Tirebuck, London (1,2). The rifle has wonderful English browned, twist barrels (30 in.) with an excellent symmetrical pattern their entire length. The barrel group is engraved “Hay-Market London” in old English script on the elevated top rib. It is equipped with a silver bead fore-sight, and an under-mounted ramrod retention bar. London Proofs, and barrel forge stamp of William Fullerd (WF). Color case hardened, recessed, water proof patent breeches, each with platinum lined touch hole locking into the steel when closed. The central rib with platinum inlaid maker’s poincon signed in raised letters: “Tirebuck London” together with a crown and bordered top and bottom by platinum lines. The top tang is engraved with scrollwork and a dog on a matted ground gazing at a bird in flight. (Traces of color.). Engraved, color case hardened locks signed “Joseph Tirebuck, London” and numbered internally. Rainproof pans, each with roller frizzen marked “Jos. H. Tirebuck Patent” and with detachable internal plates retaining a leather seal. Engraved iron wood protectors in front of each lock. Figured walnut half-stock with chequered grip and raised cheek-piece. Finely engraved, charcoal blued iron mounts and butt plate. Engraved trigger plate with pineapple finial. Oval silver wrist escutcheon engraved with initials. Original brass tipped ramrod with concealed extractor and brass cap, and retaining all of its original finish. Overall length is 46.375 in.; (117.8 cm). Weight is 6.81 lbs; (3.01 Kg). William Keith Neal Collection Tag G261.
Condition: Condition is extra fine, as new. After close inspection, the rifle appears to be in un-fired condition. Mechanics are crisp with very strong mainspring pressure on both locks. Hammer draws are aligned and identical. Bores are brilliant. Screw slots are in extremely fine condition, all indexed correctly, and essentially unused. Full and original finish on the stock. Excellent browned and symmetric, English damascus twist pattern on the barrels. An outstanding quality, early hunting rifle in an incredible state of preservation.
Discussion: This rifle has many unique and premium features not typically found on contemporary rifles of this period. Notably, the water-proof locks have a machined frizzen incorporating an ingenious leather water seal. The touch hole is actually a platinium tube with a flaired end which fits into the ignition pan, and is covered by the machined frizzen. This incredible design keeps the powder dry during hunting, even in mist or light rain. In addition, the case-hardened and moulded breach block is of a design which facilitates water drainage away from the pan. This combination of modifications was actually patented by Tirebuck, hence the inscription, “Jos. H. Tirebuck Patent.” Curator's Footnotes: • The 18 bore is an excellent choice as a diversified bird gun for ducks, pheasants, turkey, etc. It does not possess the overcapacity of a 12 or 16 bore, but is much more powerful and range appropriate than a 20 bore, giving tight shot groupings, with excellent spread. The 18 bore is also a light carry, and easily accommodated on a 6-8 hr day of hunting. Provenance: Holt’s; Church Farm Barns, Wolferton, UK: Lot: 410; 7 DEC 2020. Antiques Trade Gazette 09 MAY 2020; Print Issue #2441. "A Collection to Fire the Imagination."
Christies, London: Lot: 77; 09 NOV 2000. £7,285 with premium. "The William Keith Neal Collection" Tag: G26 Bibliography:
1. Joseph Tirebuck is recorded as working at 60 Haymarket, London between 1813-16. Blackmore, Howard (1986). A Dictionary of London Gunmakers 1350-1850, ISBN [0-7148-8021-3] p. 190.
2. Heer, Eugene (1978). Der Neue Stockel; Vol 2, p. 1288. Journal Verlag Schwend GmbH; Schwabisch Hall.
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