Product Details
T. HORSLEY
A RARE 1862 'PATENT NO.1' SINGLE-SLIDING BOLT PUSH-FORWARD UNDERLEVER HAMMERGUN, serial no. 1141,
circa 1863, 29 7/8in. nitro reproved bold damascus barrels, the rib engraved 'THOMAS HORSLEY. MAKER. YORK. PATENT. 374 & 1138.' (refreshed), 2 1/2in. chambers, bored approx. true cyl. in both, Horsley patent sliding bolt action, patent no. 374 of 12th February 1872, with 'lever in triggerguard' push forward underlever, non rebounding sidelocks incorporating early high-mounted Horsley patent retracting strikers, patent no. 1138 of 17th April 1867, bold acanthus scroll engraving with ropework bordering, the high-spurred hare's-ear hammers with patent details to the retracting cams, 14 1/8in. stock (crack at hand) including steel buttplate, weight 6lb. 9oz.
Provenance: Whilst the serial number places the gun to 1863, the presence of the later 1867 patent retracting strikers is not unusual, a number of early guns are recorded as having this mechanism fitted retrospectively. Approx. 250 guns fitted with the horizontal retracting firing pins were produced and it is thought that less than 60 'No.1 Patent' guns were made, with just 45 being recorded between February 1862 and October 1863
Literature: see 'Thomas Horsley Gunmaker of York' by David J. Baker for more details on the history and usage of Horsley patents
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Estimate £1,000-1,500
S2 - Sold as a Section 2 Firearm under the 1968 Firearms Act