Victorian / Edwardian Game Keeper\'s, 12 Bore Blank Shotgun Cartridge Firing, Trip Wire / Trap \'Alarm\'. Sn 21451 Antiques & Militaria

Victorian / Edwardian Game Keeper's, 12 Bore Blank Shotgun Cartridge Firing, Trip Wire / Trap 'Alarm'. Sn 21451 - 21451

This complete Victorian / Edwardian Era Gamekeeper's alarm gun was used to warn Gamekeepers of the presence of Poachers on Estates or outbuildings. Several variants were available in the period. This iron alarm is 21” overall long with a 6 ¼” spike for pushing into the ground. Its breech for 12bore blank has its original breech plate with central ‘firing pin’, hammer weight and release trigger / hook for trip wire are all present and function as they should. The spike end of the alarm would be inserted in the ground and a trip wire stretched from the release hook at the top of the bar to some immoveable object such as a tree stump or gate. The bottom mount would be preloaded with a 12 bore blank shotgun cartridge and the breech plate with pin placed on top providing a firing chamber (the 12 bore cartridge illustrated in image 2 is not included and is for demonstration purposes only). The release hook would hold the top weight in place until released by an intruder tripping over the wire. The weight would drop and strike the breech plate discharging the blank round. The alarm is painted black & has even patina consistent with age. There are no visible manufacturer or date marks on this alarm. The price includes UK delivery. NB As an antique alarm no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 21451 (storeroom shelves near bells)

£345.00