Product Details
SAML. HARPER
A 6-BORE DOUBLE-BARRELLED PERCUSSION SPORTING GUN,
mid-19th century, 35 5/8in. rebrowned twist sighted barrels (slightly shortened), patent breeches engraved with a pheasant and inlaid with two platinum lines on the rib between, border and scroll engraved tang and locks, the latter each signed 'SAML. HARPER MAKER', figured walnut half-stock with chequered grip, engraved iron mounts including scrolled trigger-guard (engraving worn), white metal barrel-bolt escutcheons and scroll engraved fore-end cap, inset silvered plaque in front of the trigger-guard engraved 'BENJAMIN CAUNT / CHAMPION OF ENGLAND', and original brass-tipped ramrod with worm, Birmingham proof marks.
Provenance: It is understood that this gun was used in live pigeon matches by Benjamin Caunt (1815-1861), heavyweight pugilist 'Champion of England' from 1838 until 1845 (the title being briefly lost in 1841 to Nick Ward but won back the same year). Weighing in at 18 stones and standing at 6 feet 2 inches Caunt was well equipped for the life of a bare-knuckle prize fighter when, prior to the introduction of the Marquis of Queensbury rules in 1867, fights could last upwards of two hours with rounds lasting as long as the protagonists each stayed on their feet. Caunt won his title in 1838 from Bendigo William Thompson in a contest lasting 76 rounds. It was to Bendigo that he was to finally relinquish the title in 1845 after a 96 round fight with a controversial verdict given by the referee. On the tide of the international popularity of pugilism Caunt successfully toured America in the 1840's and it is thought he challenged Tom Hyer, heavyweight champion of America, but no fight was held.
Following his retirement from the ring Caunt became a publican running the Coach & Horses Inn on St. Martins Lane in London, and a fight promoter, sponsoring the future 'Champion of England' Nat Langham in his early career as a heavyweight prize fighter. It is now generally accepted that the hour bell in the clock tower at Westminster was popularly named 'Big Ben' in honour of Caunt. A former Member of Parliament, Mr. George Caunt, discovered how the bell came to be named from old Westminster documents. Big Ben Caunt died on 10th September 1861 aged 46 in London from a cold caught at a live pigeon match. He was buried in his home village of Hucknall, Nottinghamshire in the same graveyard as Lord Byron.
The vendor's interest in the Lot was heightened by the fact that a local inn was rumoured to have held one of Caunt's prize fights in its paddock. Subsequent exploration with a metal detector unearthed several gold Sovereigns and other coinage. It is conjecture of course, but possible that they may have been connected in some way to the fight as they were from the correct period.
Other Notes: Holt's Auctioneers, December 2003, Lot 338
Holt's Auctioneers, September 2008, Lot 502
Please click HERE to view Terms & Conditions.
Estimate £5,000-7,000