Early experimental .451 Whitworth Rifle

Early experimental percussion .451 Whitworth Rifle, 35 inch barrel stamped with the early serial number 154 and engraved 'Joseph Whitworth Patent' with polygonal hexagonal bore rifling and Birmingham proof marks, fitted with a dovetailed windage adjustable front sight (blade replaced) and folding ladder sight stamped with the rifle serial number and 'Preston'. The barrel secured by three bands into the full-length stock with sling swivels, the lock marked Whitworth 1858 and stamped with the Whitworth crowned cypher, the inside of the lock plate stamped with the rifle serial number 154, platinum lined nipple. The rifle furniture includes the ramrod stamped 'F. Preston Manchester' chequer textured butt plate and trigger within the unusually shaped trigger guard, the lower wrist of the stock stamped with rack number 73.

The low serial number of this rifle was thought by the late Bill Curtis of the English Whitworth Project to be part of the first batch of 200 rifles used for experiments and testing. The unusual shape of the trigger guard is considered a shooting rest aid. See Rock Island Auction Lot 226 3rd December 2021 for a similar example which sold for $8,625.

Section 58 (2) Antique / obsolete calibre, can be owned without a licence. Buyer must be over the age of 18, age verification will be required if the lot is to be posted out.

Dimensions: 133cm long