Cased .451” percussion Prize Match Rifle by Harkom of Edinburgh to Thomas Johnston of the Edinburgh Rifle Volunteers 1861.
£12750
A fine cased .451” percussion Prize Match Rifle by Harkom of Edinburgh awarded to Thomas Johnston of the Edinburgh Rifle Volunteers dated 1861. Best quality boarder and scroll engraved detented lock fitted with dolphin head hammer is signed HARKOM. Chequered walnut half stock with steel furniture is profusely engraved with chequered fore end and pistol grip. The wrist with a white metal shield engraved ‘RIFLE COMPETITION FIRST PRIZE GAINED BY THOs JOHNSTON No9 COMPANY ERV 20 APRIL 1861’. Heavy octagonal to round barrel with break off breech and platinum plug is fitted with a ladder rear sight and a windage adjustable hooded bead front sight, signed behind the rear sight HARKOM EDINBURGH. The bore rifled with Harkom’s patent rifling which is of modified Henry form. The underside struck with London Victorian proof marks. Contained in its original brass cornered, green baize lined case with a brass roundel to the lid engraved THOs JOHNSTON V Coy EDINBURGH. Complete with its original brass mould with an adjustable plug to allow the casting of different weight bullets to suit the range at which the rifle is being shot, Sykes Patent leather covered flask with match pattern charger, brass tipped wooden rammer with a detachable ebony handle, nipple key and an original leather match sling. A best quality rifle made by one of the very best of the Edinburgh makers of the Victorian age. The quality and value of such a prize shows how important the rifle matches of the day were to the members of the volunteer forces, rifles being donated by both officers of the regiments and local dignitaries, keen to promote the practice of marksmanship for the defence of the realm. In fine condition with a fine bore and mechanics. A nice sharp stock and furniture engraved to the highest standards in a fine case with a good set of accessories. A superb cased match rifle with a military provenance to a famous Scottish Volunteer unit.
