London Retailer Marked Spencer Arms Co. Slide Action Shotgun Inscribed to a British General Awarded the Order of the Bath Manufactured from 1882 to 1889, this Spencer firearm was the first successful American slide action repeating shotgun. Due to financial difficulties, Spencer patents were sold to the famed firearms dealer Francis Bannerman Sons of New York. Bannerman continued to manufacture these shotguns until 1907. This example was manufactured by Spencer and is marked "SPENCER ARMS CO. WINDSOR CT. U.S.A." on top of the barrel near the breech. British proofs are stamped on the left side of the barrel and receiver at the breech with the additional chamber marking "2 1/2"" on the barrel. The frame has the "(SPENCER PATENT)" marking on the right side and the British retailer marking "CHARLES LANCASTER/151. NEW BOND STREET,/LONDON." on the left side. The serial number "5635" is on the trigger guard, and the follower has the number "1477." The frame also has a border engraving and is inscribed "GENERAL I.T. LANE C.B./R.A." on top. "C.B." references General Lane as a recipient of the Order of the Bath (Companion), and "R.A." references Royal Artillery. A "General Lane" of the Royal Artillery and a recipient of the Order of the Bath is listed in H.G. Hart's "The New Army List Militia List and Indian Civil Service List" (1884) and served in the Afghanistan campaign of 1842 under General Pollock as Commissary of Ordnance, was present at the Khyber Pass recapture of Kabul, and commanded a troop of horse artillery in the Gwalior Campaign including the Battle of Maharajpore for which he received a Bronze Star, Sutlej Campaign (1845-46) and Punjab Campaign (1848-49). The magazine tube is brown Damascus and the barrel and frame are blue. Mounted with a nicely figured and multi-point checkered forearm and straight grip stock featuring a bare checkered butt. Manufacturer: Spencer Arms Co Model: Slide Action Shotgun BBL: 30 inch round Stock: walnut Gauge: 12 Finish: blue/brown Grips: Serial Number: 5635 Class: Antique Condition: Fine as period retailer refurbished. The barrel retains streaks of blue finish otherwise a smooth brown patina. The frame retains 80% original blue finish thinning to a brown. The magazine retains 60% original Damascus pattern with the balance a mix of smooth brown and gray patina. There is some minor pitting on the follower and a few deep scratches on the magazine. The wood is very fine showing some minor pressure dents and scratches. The checkering is crisp overall. Mechanically excellent. A very interesting example of America's first successful shotgun that is inscribed to a British artillery general. Provenance: Robert M. Lee Collection.

  • Condition: See Description

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We will arrange for packing and shipping at our earliest possible convenience. We will attempt to ship as soon as possible, however, due to the huge volume of absentee bidders, delays in shipping of seven days after full payment is received by us is typical. In the case of crating or any exceptional packaging, the buyer will be charged our cost from outside agents. Buyer pays all shipping and insurance charges.

by Rock Island Auction Company
May 5, 2017 9:00 AM CDT
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20.5% 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 + $10,000