Holt’s auction on June 22 in Hammersmith Road, London, will offer such an item: a rifle built for King George IV.
The gun was made in Hanover by Tanner & Sohn and formed part of the enormous Schloss Marienburgh collection which was housed at Marienburg Castle, some 20 miles south of Hanover. The 19th century summer residence contained property descended from five British kings and electors of Hanover – Georges I to IV and William IV.
The gun was part of a large portion of this royal collection that was sold privately and through auction in 2005, and is believed to have been among 8000 uncatalogued lots sold after the auction held by Sotheby’s.
The 18-bore percussion single-shot rifle was made c.1825. It is estimated at £3500-5000.
Meanwhile, in Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, Ryedale Auctioneers is offering a cased pair of shot guns by London maker William Evans in its Military & Sporting sale on June 18.
Dating to the early 20th century, the 12-bore side by side sidelock ejectors come in an original fitted case with an Evans trade label and are estimated at £14,000-16,000.
Got an interesting auction coming up? Let us know…
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