Perrins Gunmakers
of
Worcester
The first records we have of this gun was a photograph published in the book, Game Guns and Rifles, by Richard Akehurst. At the time it was owned by W. Keith Neal, who had a significant collection of classic guns, probably around 1970.
We think it is the same gun, or an exact twin, as it has no serial number.
We then find it in the collection of the Kesselring family in America and they have it up for sale at $85,000.00. (£53,000). Keith kesselring could not remember where he obtained the gun, possibly 30 years earlier. All we know is that it was not included in the dispersal of Keith Neal's collection, which was auctioned over two days in Nov 2005. We then find it up for auction and finally it is sold at Rock Island Auctions on the 26th April 2015 for $37,375 including 15% buyers commission. As yet we do not know who bought it although the auctioneers have promised to contact the buyer on our behalf.
A rare and fascinating gun which would probably have been commissioned for use on big game in Africa or India, but without the Perrins records it is unlikely we shall ever know who originally bought it - unless you know otherwise?
Auction House Details....
Estimated Price: $55,000 - $85,000
Description: Engraved Perrins & Son 8 Bore Hammer Double Damascus Barrel Rifle with Case
Manufactured circa 1885. This is an extraordinary example of a Perrins & Son Big Bore Double rifle. Damascus barrels with a solid rib fitted with a blade front sight and two leaf (one fixed, one folding) rear sight with 50 and 100 yard markings. There is a sling swivel eye mounted on the underside of the barrels. The rib is matted with a dolls head extension and a panel behind the rear sight marked "PERRINS & SON 59 BROAD ST WORCESTER". The flats are marked with Birmingham proofs. The locks, receiver, hammers, trigger guard, forearm hardware and under lever are nicely decorated with fine English scroll engraving, and each lock is marked "PERRINS & SON". The water table is marked with two Birmingham proofmarks. The barrels are brown, the trigger guard is blue and the remaining metal parts are casehardened. Mounted with a nicely figured English multi-point checkered walnut splinter forearm with a horn forend insert, and pistol grip stock with teardrop flats, horn grip cap, solid recoil pad, silver initial oval and sling swivel eye. The rifle weighs just under 16 pounds with the barrels weighing in at 9.90 pounds alone. The length of pull is 14 1/4 inches. The rifle comes in a leather and oak case with brass corner protectors, leather straps and handle, and green felt lining. In the case are two snap caps, 4 brass 8 bore casings, one lead 8 bore bullet and a 577 nitro brass casing. Also comes with a canvas cover for the case. John Perrins established his business as a Master Gunmaker in Worcester in 1831. In 1855 the business became Perrins & Son when his eldest son John joined him as a partner. As the company grew, they moved to larger premises and while at the company's Mealcheapen Street location in 1862 John Perrins died and was followed by his son John 4 years later. Another son, Henry took over and expanded the business in the golden years of English gunmaking from 1866 on and in 1879 moved to the prestigious premises at 59 Broad Street in Worcester.
Manufacturer: Perrin's & Son
Model: Double Rifle
BBL: 22 inch solid rib
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 8 Bore
Finish: brown/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition Report: Near mint as period embellished with only a couple of very minor superficial dings on the barrels, a few light dents on the stock and overall light handling/storage marks. The case is excellent and the cover is very good plus.