I have a Harris Holland 10 bore rifle that was made in 1871. Just a border engraved gun but in impeccable condition with a dished water table and beautifully sculpted hammers. The rifle is 135 years old and I have no doubt it will still be around 135 years from now.
I have often wondered if the artisans and makers of these weapons had any idea they would be used and anmired generations after their completion.
I believe there were collectors in 1906 but I don't think anyone would have considered themselves privileged to use and hunt with a gun manufactured in 1806.
Don't you think many of the early guns were just used up? Passed from one hand to another until they were no longer useful?