Original Item: Only One Available. The Nepalese cache purchase of 2003 is truly the gift that keeps on giving, even after almost 20 years! This is a very nice 2nd Model Brunswick Percussion Rifle, recently found and completely restored. It bears clear British proofs on the barrel breech area, and looks to be of mostly British manufacture. These rifles were made for belted ball ammunition, first introduced in 1843 (See Small Arms of the East India Company 1600-1856 by David Harding, Volume 2 pages 182-183) by the East India Company. In 1847 the British Government adopted the same pattern. Once again private enterprise led the way for government modernization.

The previous P-1837 Brunswick rifles had featured a back action lock, however the move was made to standardize to side action locks, in use until the end of the percussion era in England. For further reading, see BRITISH MILITARY FIREARMS by Howard Blackmore Page 198, the extreme left of the photo.

This is a very rare and desirable rifle, which as with many Brunswick rifles that were sent overseas, had the markings removed from the lock plate. The rifle measures 46" overall with a 30 1/4 inch "2-groove) barrel, which is marked on the breech with the CROWN / GP "Gunmaker's Proof" and CROWN / V "Viewed markings of the London Gun Company proof house. There is an additional proof mark on the far right, and during restoration we removed the barrel, which showed a JOHN OLIVE Maker marking.

Features include a substantial flip-up two leaf back sight, all brass mounts, including large patch box and correct ramrod still in place. The bore still has the correct two groove rifling, though it definitely shows oxidation and use on the interior. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock, an firing at full. The metalwork is in good shape, however there definitely are signs of past oxidation. The wooden stock has a lovely color and is really in great shape, showing little evidence of wear or woodworm. The barrel wedges are the British style, and correctly do not have any brass escutcheons surrounding them. Both sling swivels are present, and all of the fittings are totally correct.

2nd Pattern side action lock Brunswick rifles (P-1847) are much rarer than the back action 1st Pattern of 1837. Hastily discontinued after the introduction of the .577 caliber rifle musket in 1853, they were not made in large numbers, and many were subsequently broken down for parts, as the lock was compatible.

A VERY RARE British Percussion rifle of which we only received about 5 examples in the Palace Purchase. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture:  circa 18848
Caliber: .75" Belted Ball
Ammunition Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 30 1/4 Inches
Overall Length: 46 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loader

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.