Thomas Del Mar - Armour Sale

404404A FINE BELGIAN D.B. PERCUSSION SHOTGUN BY J.B.RONGÉ FILS A LIÈGE, PRESENTED TO CAPTAIN A.P.ALLEN BY KING LEOPOLD I OF BELGIUM, ANTWERP,DATED 3RD JULY 1839with browned twist damascus barrels fitted with silver foresight,inscribed ‘Damas Curr Superfin’ in gold script withflourishes of silver foliage and inlaid with a gold line at thebreech, engraved case-hardened breech, engraved casehardenedbreech tang extending to a slender panel overthe grip, engraved case-hardened locks signed in gold on ablued scroll, engraved case-hardened hammers en suitewith the locks and fitted with blued safety-catches releasedby an engraved blued grip lever, highly figured rootwoodhalf-stock with chequered grip, engraved blued steelmounts comprising trigger-guard formed with broad fluteson each side, butt-plate, ramrod-pipe also forming the foreendcap, blued sling swivels, the rear on a German silverescutcheon, gold barrel bolt escutcheons, original ivorytippedwhalebone ramrod, and retaining much originalfinish throughout: in its original brass bound case veneeredin highly figured burrwood (the back with extensive chips),the case lid fitted with brass escutcheon engraved withpresentation inscription, the inside lined in plum velvet andcomplete with its padded silk cover and with its fullcompliment of original accessories including copperpowder-flask finely embossed with star signed ‘B a Paris’and with brass nozzle incorporating an optic, ebony andivory-mounted turnscrew, and polished steel wad cutter(the case lining with light wear and fading); together withthe original accompanying letter of delivery, acontemporary translation, an engraved maker’s label forNo.604 Rue Vinave-d'Isle, and a contemporary newspapercutting77cm; 30D in barrelsThe presentation inscription on the lid escutcheon reads:'Presented to Capt A.P. Allen of the ship Magistrate byLeopold 1st King of Belgium in commemoration of hisMajesty’s visit to that vessel at Antwerp 3rd July 1839.'The newspaper cutting reads:The King of Belgium, a few days ago, paid a visit to anEnglish Merchant ship, the Magistrate, Captain AnthonyAllen then at Antwerp. He examined the noble vessel veryminutely, and expressed himself much gratified by theinformation he had received and the entertainmentprovided for him. The next day Captain Allen was gratifiedby the receipt of a sum of money to be distributed to theseamen, and a beautiful and costly fusil as a present tohimself. The following letter accompanied the valuablegift:-“CAPTAIN SIR,- The King has commanded me to forward toyou, in his name, and I lose no time in obeying hisMajesty’s order, the accompanying fusil- the manufactureof Liege, of which his Majesty begs your acceptance, inacknowledgement of the handsome reception you gave tohim on board your vessel, on the 3rd instant…It is particularly agreeable to me, captain, to be chargedwith this commission from his Majesty; and I avail myselfof the opportunity of offering you the assurance of myprofound esteem…”£4000-5000169