Lot 1211

Very Fine Engraved Cased Edwin Budding Percussion Set

Previous image preload Next image preload

Very Fine Engraved Cased Edwin Budding Percussion Set

Estimate: $5,000 - $8,500

Starting Bid: $4,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Very Fine and Documented Only Known Cased Panel Scene Engraved Edwin Budding Percussion Cane Gun Set with Rifle and Shotgun Barrels Formerly in the W. Keith Neal Collection This gun is referenced in the 2011 American Society of Arms Collectors Bulletin article "Edwin Budding and His Pepperbox: A 21st Century Update" by Matthew Schneiderman who states: "Keith Neal owned the one known Budding firearm that isn't a pepperbox. This is a single shot longarm, cased with two screw-off barrels (one rifled, one smooth-bore). The shoulder stock also unscrews, leaving a central brass action around which the gun is built up. The breech of each barrel has a centrally placed, horizontal nipple. The mechanism is exactly like that of the pepperboxes, with a combined triggeresque cocking lever/internal striker powered by a coiled spring, and the same type of resting notch." Neal was one of the first to research Edwin Beard Budding (1796-1846) and bring his work to the attention of gun collectors. Budding was a noted engineer and inventor in England most famous for inventing the lawn mower in 1830. He designed a pepperbox around 1825 that is credited as simultaneously the first percussion pepperbox, first percussion revolver, first percussion pistol with in-line nipples (central fire), and the first percussion pistol with an enclosed action. The design was not patented and is very similar to James Cook's patent 4960 of May 30, 1824. Some of the pepperbox design is incorporated in this cane gun which is certainly an excellent example of Budding's ingenuity. To cock the "in-line" action the "trigger" is pulled to the rear and then slightly to the right, locking in place on a small iron resting notch. To fire, the "trigger" is pressed slightly to the left allowing it to spring forward striking the nipple fitted into the breech of the barrel. This set includes both a 26 inch 24 bore smoothbore browned Damascus barrel with a bead front sight as well as a 12 3/8 inch 40 bore rifled barrel featuring small blade and groove sights; each is marked with London proof marks. The barrels can be unscrewed by hand from the silver plated brass action inscribed "BUDDING MAKER" on top and engraved with a grotesque mask at the rear, a pheasant scene on the right, a pointer on the left, foliate motifs, and scrollwork. The checkered walnut buttstock unscrews from the back of the "cane handle" shaped action and has a German silver buttplate with scroll engraving at the heel. The set is contained in a mahogany case with some accessories, including a leather shot flask, brass bullet mold for a rather large .50 caliber conical bullet, rod, sleeve, a reproduction Budding trade label, and a W. Keith Neal Collection tag.

Manufacturer: British

Model: Cane Gun

BBL: 26 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 24 bore

Finish: brown/silver

Serial NumberNSN

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The W. Keith Neal Collection; A Private Collection
  • Condition: Very fine with 85% plus original brown finish, traces of original silver, aged patina on the brass and German silver, crisp engraving and markings, and fairly minor wear. The stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering and light scratches and dings. Mechanically functions. The case and accessories are good with mild age and storage related wear.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000