Bate, Edward ball reservoir

Bate, Edward ball reservoir 

With thanks to Beth of Amoskeag Auctions, Inc. for permission to post these pics.

The original auction blurb said: ".50 caliber, 34" round barrel with additional .50 caliber 16" barrel. This cased rifle is of the highest English quality and features a full flintlock lock with all external components present. The lock is marked at center "BATE" and the top of breech section of barrel is marked "BATE LONDON". This rifle features a fixed octagon breech section of barrel with the other barrel threading onto this section near tip of forestock. The iron barrel tang, trigger guard, side plate and buttplate tang all feature lovely floral and scroll engraving. The barrels each retain 95% of their original brown finish with excellent pattern visible on each. The longer barrel is of one piece and threads direction onto breech, the shorter barrel had a brass tip and collar which threads onto breech. The breech section of barrel retains about 50% bright original blue finish with the balance bearing a pleasing gray patina. The walnut stock rates excellent with about 95% original finish remaining with crisp edges and strong clean checkering. The rifle comes cased in an old case which may or may not be original to the gun but was certainly made for the gun, likely during the period of use. Included in the case are two copper reservoirs, pump, six cavity gang mold, single mold, three patch cutters, oiler, two shot pouches and a turnscrew. Edward Bate was active in London during the last quarter of the 18th century into the very beginning of the 19th century. He was noted for his air guns and later partnered with Jover, another prominent air rifle builder. A top shelf antique British air rifle."