A Rare Naval Flintlock Flare Gun by North. 23” overall, 7 ½” round brass 1 ¼” bore barrel, engraved ‘Royal Exchange London’ with London Proofs & Foreigners mark. Brass rounded 1755 pattern lock plate with Crown GR & inspector’s mark, ‘E. North 1763’ on tail, stamped internally with Crown over ‘2’ inspector’s mark and ‘VII’ on lock edge, main spring & sear. Swan neck cock & brass pan. Walnut full stock with hand rail butt, with ordnance pattern brass mounts comprising brass trigger guard, butt plate & wrist escutcheon. Brass tipped ramrod.
Dated 1763
Very rare, never seen another, Ordnance Pattern brass locks are extremely rare.
Edward North II apprenticed to his father 1754, & free of Gunmakers Co 1761,Lt in HAC, maker to Hudson Bay Company.