Want to see what a pair of $65,000 shotguns look like...
Extraordinarily rare consecutively numbered, matched pair of 18-bore double barrelled flintlock fowlers made in 1820.
Each gun weighs 6 1/2 lbs. Stock dimensions: 14 3/8"x 1 1/4"x 2"x st. Superb 32" damascus barrels with elevated top ribs have absolutely mint bores (all bores .632") and retain 98% of an old rebrown finish.
Case hardened, stepped-in breeches, with platinum touch-hole liners are crisp showing no corrosion whatever. Late style locks have deep-vee pans with platinum divider bar in the bottom and external sear screws. No corrosion whatever on locks which all retain traces of the original color hardening and traces of the original fire blue on the frizzen springs.
Stocks show no real wear, however, there are numerous expertly done minor repairs to the wood many of which are contemporary with the guns and probably carried out by Manton's. Trigger guard bows retain some of the original brilliant blue finish with the grip areas of the guards being expertly reblued.
Butt plates have been reblued. Silver wrist escutcheons with finely engraved crown surmounting the letter "V" and matching the case lid escutcheon show no wear whatever and have never been researched.
Original ramrods with capped scrwew on hidden end. Original Maker's mahogony case with corners reinforced with brass straps. Case interior lining with some moth damage but all partitions are sound and original and contains original spare frizzens and a few other parts as well. Also contains a few original accessories including shot chargers and rare flint wallet with L-shaped tool.
Case label is missing. Overall an extremely fine pair of guns, rare bordering on unique, and unlikely you will ever see another true cased pair offered for sale.
