Spring 2025 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
May 8th, 9th, 10th, & 11th, 2025
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale!
EXCEPTIONALLY FINE SCOTTISH SINGLE SHOT PERCUSSION STALKING RIFLE BY THOMAS GOULD OF EDINBURGH
01-26129
Cal. 55
S# NSN
Thomas Gould is not listed in any of the common references as a gunmaker in Edinburgh or any other location. This rifle is beautifully made as are most Scottish guns and rifles of the period and closely resembles the work of Alexander Henry. Perhaps Gould was a journeyman gunmaker for Henry and this rifle was his masterpiece. It has 32″ twist steel octagon barrel with under rib and is rifled with seven grooves. Top flat of barrel is file cut and fitted with square notch rear and sourdough front sights which appear to be later replacements. A 2-1/2″ dovetail for express rear sight is filled. Barrel is engraved “THOMAS GOULD” on upper right flat and “EDINBURGH” on upper left. Bottom flat is stamped with Birmingham black powder proof and bore size “39”. Case hardened breech plug with vented platinum blowout and scroll engraved breech iron are nicely filed in a style similar to that of Alexander Henry. Front spring percussion lock with flat faced serpentine hammer has front sliding stalking safety. Lock and hammer exhibit fine scroll engraving “THOMAS GOULD” is engraved at front under barrel. Trigger blade is checkered and steel trigger guard engraved with running stag on bow has checkered tang which extends to steel grip cap.
Half stock of dense, dark, well figured European walnut measures 14-5/8″ over checkered steel buttplate with short top tang. Tang is engraved with a recumbent stag. A standing stag graces spring loaded patchbox cover on right side of buttstock. Trigger plate has stylized pineapple finial reminiscent of that often found on Alexander Henry rifles. Stock also features beaded shadow line right hand cheekpiece, widely spaced point pattern checkering at grip and around forend, horn forend tip and a sling button along with a vacant silver oval on toeline. Original greenheart ramrod with horn tip and brass tail mounts through two plain pipes and nicely filed thimble. Stock attaches to barrel with captive side bolt through shaped and engraved steel escutcheons.
STATUS: ANTIQUE
