The English gunmaker John Blanch (1784–1848) apprenticed to Jackson Mortimer in 1800, he later worked for the renowned John Manton before starting his own business in 1809. John Blanch & Son operated from 29 Gracechurch Street for 89 years, between 1826 and 1915. Established in 1809, the firm is one of London’s oldest gunmakers and was an early innovator in breech-loading technology. This is a quality made Victorian double barrel percussion sporting shotgun by John Blanch 29 Gracechurch Street, London. It has 30” Damascus steel barrels set side by side. The barrels have a central flat top barrel rib & bead fore sight. The barrel rib is engraved ‘John Blanch 29 Gracechurch Street, London’. The barrels smooth bores have just light staining consistent with age & use. The underside of the barrels have English proofs and numbers ‘2063’ and ‘24652’. It has its original walnut stock with chequered grip panels all in excellent condition. The wrist has a void brass escutcheon & steel butt plate with extended tang. The trigger guard with extended tang, stock block tang, action plates & hammers have quality tooled decoration. The action plates are signed by the maker ‘J. Blanch’. The shotgun has its original wood ramrod with brass end cap. The weapon cocks & dry fires crisply. The weapon is contained in its original sturdy Mahogany case with hinged lid. The top of the lid has a brass shield inscribed 'T. Heaber esq, Stockton' most likely the original Victorian owner of this gun. The case has folding brass handles on the left and right sides, 2 sliding fasteners (only one working) and lock (key absent). Internally the case is fitted with compartments for the shotgun and accessories. The case is lined with felt and the lid has a John Blanch & Son trade label. The compartments contain many original period accessories consisting of tools, measures, powder & shot flasks which can be seen in the images. The price for this quality piece includes UK delivery. NB. As an antique percussion shotgun no licence is required to own this weapon in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 23318
£1,850.00