William Hole was an English Bristol, Gloucestershire based gunmaker recorded at 21 Clare Street 1811-15, St Augustine’s back 1816-35 and 27 High Street 1839-44 (see page 250 of British Gunmakers Vol 2 by Brown). This is an original antique muzzle loading 12 Bore Single Barrel Muzzle Loading Percussion Sporting Shotgun by William Hole. It has a 31” Damascus steel barrel with post fore sight and measures 47 ½” overall. The rear sight consists of a shallow groove in the top of the action and barrel. The barrel's smooth bore has just light staining consistent with age and use. The action & trigger guard with extended tang and Pineapple finial are nicely engraved with a foliate design. The action plate has crisp engraved ‘hunting dog with game bird in the field’ scene and crisp makers’ signature ‘W. Hole Bristol’. The top of the barrel has a faint signature most likely the makers name (to faint to photograph). The stock is all original and in excellent condition. The wrist has chequered panels and it is fitted with a steel butt plate with extended tang that also has foliate engraved decoration. The gun has an ebonised wood ram rod with brass end cap and tip which unscrews to reveal a steel worm. The gun’s cocking and firing actions work crisply. The price includes UK delivery. NB As a muzzle loading antique shotgun no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 21089
£695.00