Quote:
Originally Posted by KCordell
Based on the text from the Birmingham museum and a book I have on gun marks, there would have had to have been two identical stamps if it were a private proof from the Tower...but I guess a single is possible. The little information I found on Tirebuck as being listed as a gunmaker at 60 Haymarket, London, 1813-16. Only in business for 3 years.
|
Someone on the British muzzle loading site told me the maker was John Tirebuck who was in biz with his son and indeed for only three years. He said that it might be the only example of their work extant. Since then I have seen another pictured Tirebuck in Double Gun Mag. So, I guess there are at least two. This would also date to the last year or so of the British Proof House using the crossed swords and the crown proof mark. It works to date the gun to ca. 1813, which I think is about right.
I paid $195 for it in 1972 at Martin Rettings, in Culver City, CA.
Might be that the second mark was obscured by corrosion. I wonder if a restorer would work on it. Reline the bore, and secure the wood, etc. It'd probably cost me $2 grand tho. When I finally got it back my wife would hit me over the head with it.
It is fun to own this rather brittle little gun. I haven't had the lock off for years, but as I recall it was quality work inside.
Once, again; if these old guns could talk!