*Colonial / Indian, Victorian, Big Bore Sporting Percussion Gun, Dated 1896, Brass Mounted, Floral Engraved Lock – Obsolete Calibre*
A substantial late-Victorian sporting percussion gun of big-bore configuration, brass mounted throughout and retaining attractive floral scroll engraving to the lock. The piece is of single-barrel muzzle-loading form with a 76cm barrel and overall length of approximately 119cm, placing it firmly in the large sporting / hunting class.
The lock is engraved with foliate decoration and fitted with a percussion hammer. Brass furniture includes butt plate, trigger guard, ramrod pipes and patch box. The stock is of dark hardwood with good age patina and visible service wear consistent with field use.
The barrel is stamped “394” to the left-hand side and “R55” to the top flat. The stock is incised “30” over “2-4-96”, almost certainly representing 2 April 1896, indicating very late percussion manufacture. The calibre is obsolete and appears large bore, suitable for heavy game or regional sporting use.
The butt is fitted with a white metal patch box with hinged circular lid, engraved with a foliate rosette and surrounding scroll decoration. The engraving is clearly hand-cut and decorative rather than factory-uniform, consistent with late 19th century colonial workmanship. Patch boxes of this form are commonly encountered on Indian and subcontinental sporting guns of the period, intended for the storage of percussion caps or patches.
Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 76 cm. Overall length: 119 cm.
Historical Note:
By 1896, percussion muzzle-loaders were long obsolete in mainstream British manufacture, having been superseded decades earlier by breech-loading cartridge arms. Nevertheless, percussion sporting guns continued to be produced in colonial markets — particularly in India and elsewhere in the Empire — where local workshops supplied durable hunting pieces using established percussion systems. The late hand-cut stock date of 1896, the extensive brass furniture, the decorative yet somewhat provincial lock engraving, and the non-standard assembly markings such as “394” and “R55” collectively point toward colonial or Indian subcontinent manufacture rather than Birmingham or London trade production. The engraved white metal patch box, distinctly ornamental in character, further supports this attribution, as such decorative furniture is frequently encountered on late 19th century Indian sporting arms. The overall form and large calibre are entirely consistent with Indian sporting guns produced for local hunters and regional trade during this period.
*Condition*
An untouched and honest example showing clear age and use. The barrel displays surface oxidation and consistent patina throughout. The escutcheon pin is absent, with the barrel presently retained by the ramrod and hammer tension. Period repair to the rear of the lock area. The brass furniture shows age toning and expected wear, while the floral lock engraving remains visible. The piece has not been mechanically tested and is offered as an antique display item. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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