Item Description
Original Item: One of a kind. A combination gun is typically a firearm that usually has one rifled barrel and one smoothbore barrel, that is typically used with shot or some type of shotgun slug. While more modern styles utilizing cartridges were "over and under" designs, during the percussion era, most of these were side by side. Having ammunition ready for several different types of game definitely had its advantages.
This is a lovely example of a "Cape Gun", a side-by-side version of a combination gun that were typically European in origin. These were at one time popular in Southern Africa, particularly the cape region, where a wide variety of game could be encountered. This is how they acquired their moniker, which continued in use even after they became more wide spread. While the British style of combination gun usually had the rifled barrel on the left side, the German and Austrian cape guns have the rifled barrel on the right side, which is fired by the front trigger. The front trigger is usually a set trigger as well.
This German made example fits the pattern very well, with a 20 gauge shotgun barrel on the left, and a 0.53" rifled barrel on the right. It also does indeed have an adjustable "set trigger on the front right for the rifled barrel, with a small screw on the rear for adjustment. The right lock plate is marked in cursive with the maker name E. Biele., with a Uhÿst on the left, and also E. BIELE. inlaid in silver on the barrel strap. We believe this is the correct reading, though the name of the town is definitely very stylized. Uhyst is a small town in the far East of Germany, part of the Saxony area. We have not been able to find any information about this maker, so this entire gun is definitely bespoke, built to order by a local artisan, who looks to have been highly skilled.
We were not able to locate any other markings on the gun or under the barrel, so we assume the barrel is German, an area which did not have any unified gun proofing system as seen in England and Belgium. It is however of exceptionally high quality, and must have taken quite a bit of hand work to achieve. While the barrels are plain, the barrel breeches are heavily engraved, as is the barrel tang and many other fittings. It is fitted with a wooden ramrod under the barrel, which has a reversible clearing worm on the end. The barrel is fitted with relatively simple sights. Overall condition of the metalwork is very nice, with a lovely plum patina overall, and no major oxidation or rust issues. The locks are both fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. The right front set trigger is currently set to be very sensitive.
The wood stock is beautiful, though it does show wear from age and use, with scratches, dents, and other damage. It looks to be made entirely from figured wood, which really pops in the light, even with the wear. A good waxing would probably really bring out the chatoyancy of the wood. There are no major cracks, but there is a chunk missing on the left side in front of the lock, probably due to how prone figured wood is to splitting along the grain. The left side of the butt stock has a lovely cheek piece, and the wrist is checkered, which does show some wear. The right side of the butt stock has a wooden sliding patch box cover, released by pulling up on the button at the end.
A lovely example of a Victorian Era hunting gun, made in Germany for possible export to South Africa. Ready to research and display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: circa 1855
Shotgun Caliber: 20 Gauge - about 0.615"
Rifle Caliber: 0.53" with 7 groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Lead Shot/ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 31 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 48 1/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Locks
Feed System: Muzzle Loading
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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