Walther_270
09-06-2006, 07:53 AM
Hi All
I have a unique William Powell double that I would dearly like to get any information on. I have since January last year so far not been very successful. The rifle is a Brunswick type double in what appears to be a .600 to .700 calibre. Rifle is in very good condition and shoots like a dream . Peter Powell of William Powell informs me that they have lost their records in 1860 but can tell me that the double rifle No. 1655 was completed as a once off on 20 April 1853 for an Agent of theirs - Mr. W.F. Taylor (American?).
The William Powell muzzle loading double rifle details are as follows:
Double hammers with musket type nipples, flip up express type sights from 100 to 200 yards. The rifle has an oval bore and shoots what is reffered to as a banded or belted ball. (Brunswick?) I had a mould made to cast a 300gn solid lead banded ball with patch. The numbers are stamped under both barrels as well as on the breech lugs. Wood is what I deem to be an excellent dark grade walnut and very perfect checkering. Around 36 lines per inch.
I suspect that this rifle was originally manufactured as a Tiger/Big cat rifle. There is a marking that resembles an inverted calligraphy “Y” on the stock behind the hammers on a square disk and the same mark on the ramrod. The rifle is also the only muzzleloader I have ever seen with slide safeties on both sides. Engraving is ornate and excellent. I suspect that the barrels are Damascus. There are also some proof marks under the woodwork. It has a patch box engraved with what appears to be an American Bison.
Would you be able to tell me anything of this rifle's history and for whom it was first manufactured via your contacts? I would appreciate any information/data on this rifle regardless of how trivial. Any reference to anyone/someone that may help.
I am bordering on insanity having mailed the world over for information over the last 18 months. I am desperate and would appreciate any assistance. Even if you referred me to someone that will be willing to assist with this query.
Apologies if the subject is unapropriate for this forum. Mail me ofline if you prefer at teastes@metropolitan.co.za. Photos are available if needs be.
Regards
Thomas
I have a unique William Powell double that I would dearly like to get any information on. I have since January last year so far not been very successful. The rifle is a Brunswick type double in what appears to be a .600 to .700 calibre. Rifle is in very good condition and shoots like a dream . Peter Powell of William Powell informs me that they have lost their records in 1860 but can tell me that the double rifle No. 1655 was completed as a once off on 20 April 1853 for an Agent of theirs - Mr. W.F. Taylor (American?).
The William Powell muzzle loading double rifle details are as follows:
Double hammers with musket type nipples, flip up express type sights from 100 to 200 yards. The rifle has an oval bore and shoots what is reffered to as a banded or belted ball. (Brunswick?) I had a mould made to cast a 300gn solid lead banded ball with patch. The numbers are stamped under both barrels as well as on the breech lugs. Wood is what I deem to be an excellent dark grade walnut and very perfect checkering. Around 36 lines per inch.
I suspect that this rifle was originally manufactured as a Tiger/Big cat rifle. There is a marking that resembles an inverted calligraphy “Y” on the stock behind the hammers on a square disk and the same mark on the ramrod. The rifle is also the only muzzleloader I have ever seen with slide safeties on both sides. Engraving is ornate and excellent. I suspect that the barrels are Damascus. There are also some proof marks under the woodwork. It has a patch box engraved with what appears to be an American Bison.
Would you be able to tell me anything of this rifle's history and for whom it was first manufactured via your contacts? I would appreciate any information/data on this rifle regardless of how trivial. Any reference to anyone/someone that may help.
I am bordering on insanity having mailed the world over for information over the last 18 months. I am desperate and would appreciate any assistance. Even if you referred me to someone that will be willing to assist with this query.
Apologies if the subject is unapropriate for this forum. Mail me ofline if you prefer at teastes@metropolitan.co.za. Photos are available if needs be.
Regards
Thomas