3101

G. Willis Birmingham Made Single Shot Martini Rifle with Panel Scene Engraving and Inscription

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
G. Willis Birmingham Made Single Shot Martini Rifle with Panel Scene Engraving and Inscription
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Estimate: $3000 - 5000
Dovetailed blade front sight, with a 3-leaf folding sight mounted directly behind a folding ladder sight, with zig-zag patterns on the top barrel flat and "CAPTAIN BOSSEL" in a panel at the breech. Scroll engraving is present on the frame, lever, and triggerguard, with the right side bearing a scene of two men standing near a small creek, one carrying a rifle, next to a "MM" monogram, and the right showing a man with a rifle aiming at a man in a feathered headdress among tropical trees, with the date "March 6th 1882" at the bottom. Checkered pistol grip stock, with raised ribbing on the metal forearm tip, floral and scroll engraved gripcap, a panel on the underside numbered "1544", a panel on the right marked "G. WILLIS/MAKER/1 PRINCE ST/St MARY'S SQUARE/BIRMm", and an engraved buttplate. As of this writing, Captain Bossel has not been identified, nor the significance of the date.
BBL: 27 1/2 inch flat top round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45 CF
Finish: blue/nickel
Grips:
Serial Number: 16150
Condition: Fine, showing a mixed crisp brown patina on the barrel, with mild handling marks. 95% of the nickel is present, with some minor flaking and handling marks. Stock is very fine, with some light dents and varnish loss. Mechanically excellent.