Fall 2023 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
November 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th, 2023
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!
RARE AND DESIRABLE HENRY NOCK MODEL 1780 SEVEN BARREL FLINTLOCK VOLLEY GUN.
01-23331
Cal. 52.
NSN
The highly regarded Henry Nock had a government contract for 500 of these unusual guns which were originally designed by British engineer James Wilson. The guns were mostly used by the Navy, intended to be fired down into groups of enemy seamen from high in the ships rigging. Those tasked with firing these weapons were not happy with the extreme recoil produced by the simultaneous discharge of seven barrels. A lighter version was produced and given the designation of pattern 1788. A little over 100 of these were produced. Both patterns were removed from service in 1804, but some remained in ship stores with continued use through the war of 1812. A few others were produced for commercial sales. The estimated total production of all types is 650 guns.
This gun of standard 1780 form has 20″ smooth bore barrel cluster. Each barrel has Tower military proof at breech end. A trumpet head steel ramrod is held by three heavy beaded pipes on bottom of cluster. Back spring lock with beveled plate is fitted with serpentine cock, bridled friction frizzen and “L” shaped feather spring which fits along bottom of pan. Rear of lockplate is stamped with British crown over the initials “GR”. “TOWER” is engraved at top edge behind cock and British broad arrow acceptance mark is at bottom front of lockplate. Interior of lock is stamped “HN” (Henry Nock) and with the numeral “9” or “6”. Robust handrail buttstock of plain European walnut is brass mounted. Furniture is unique to this model with scrolled raised sideplate, trigger guard with small finial, and heavy buttplate.
Status: ANTIQUE
