A Very Fine Flintlock 16 Bore Sporting Gun by William Smith.
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46” overall, 30” 16 bore sighted barrels with Damascus twist, signed ‘J Morris Welshpool’ along the top flat. Recessed patent breach with four gold lines and platinum lined touch-hole, numbered 1581 on breach hooks, London Proofs. Foliate engraved case hardened tang, border engraved case hardened detented flat lock signed ‘William Smith Lisle ST London’ decorated with foliage and engraved 'Patent 445/6' below the swept waterproof pans, cock engraved en suite with the lock, steel engraved 'W Smith 445/6Patent '. Figured walnut half stock with chequered rounded grip, with a vacant silver escutcheon, trigger guard decorated with symmetrical foliage on the border engraved bow with a hound. Butt plate numbered ‘1581’, silver barrel bolt escutcheons and original ramrod.
A very high quality practical sporting gun in good condition, very good bores, some finish remaining on locks, barrels address reengraved with an old refinish.
Circa 1815
William Smith Patents 445 and 446 refer to the locks made in accordance with the maker's patent of 1812.
William Smith was at 2 New Lisle Street, London, between 1806 and 1816. He was appointed Gunmaker-in-Ordinary to the Prince Regent in 1817, and to George IV in 1820. He probably started his serial numbers at 1000. John Morris of Welshpool Gun maker and retailer 1827-35.