Discounting the pepper-boxes, Tranter cap'n'ball and early British cartridge revolvers in my collection (which I shoot, BTW), my oldest rifle is a Mk.III Snider 3-band volunteer-pattern by Barnett of London. The Mk.III was approved in 1869, but the Barnett lock is undated. I also regularly shoot a Martini Henry artillery carbine marked 1888.

The oldest double I shoot regularly is an Alexander Henry “best Quality” double barrel 20/.577 express made for a Mr. Furnival Esq. on the 6th of November 1882.

I did come face-to-face with the reality of owning (..and preferring!) vintage firearms when I decided to upgrade the insurance on my collection. I dealt with the firm recommended by the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, initially through Rob Lowe. I was close to the "send out the paperwork" point when a casual word about antique pistols brought proceedings to an abrupt halt! Turns out they would not insure any firearms more than 20 years old! I couldn't believe my ears, demanded to speak to the manager, etc, but it was true!

I don't own a single firearm younger than twenty years!! ..except a couple registered to my business name. Even my S&W Model 41 target pistol is older than that!

I wonder how many people have been caught by that one, or remain blissfully ignorant that their insurance is not worth squat!