G'day chapman,

I got this rifle from a very good friend and it must be at least 10 years since the first time he showed it to me. He saved it from a chap a long time ago who was just about to fit a set of scope mounts [ proof to me there is no God ] when my mate asked why was he going to put a scope on it ? " To make it sell better " was his answer !! My friend said he would pay him his asking price without the scope mounted and so saved this piece of history.

How it came to Oz I have no idea but it wouldn't surprise me if a returning soldier had something to do with it. Next time I'm visiting with my mate I'll see if he knows more.

I have a John Hayton [ Grahamstown, South Africa, c.1850-c.1873 ] two groove double muzzleloading Cape Rifle that I know was bought home by an Australian soldier after the Boer War so they were definitely bringing home some souvenirs. Maybe should put a few pics of it up one day.

Ron.