lancaster
(.470 member)
27/05/21 04:31 AM
Re: muzzle loader at auction

* C.G. BALES, DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA

A RARE 4-BORE PERCUSSION RIFLED SHOT & BALL GUN FOR DANGEROUS GAME, serial no. P3036,
circa 1870, with round 32 3/4in. barrel signed 'C.G. BALES D'URBAN', applied fore-sight, standing notch rear-sight with two additional folding leaves, South African registration number stamped at breech, plain colour hardened double screwed top-tang, plain colour hardened bar-action lock stamped 'C.G. BALES D'URBAN', chequered walnut full-stock, iron furniture, twin barrel keys and provision for ramrod (absent along with front stirrup swivel), much finish remaining beneath an old applied lacquer, overall length 49 1/2in., weight approximately 12 1/2lbs.

Other Notes: The Port of Natal was renamed D'urban in 1835 in honour of Lt. Gen. Benjamin D'urban who was a favoured Governor of the settlers in the region. The spelling with the apostrophe continued in use until the Boer Wars, upon which it was dropped and the more recognisable 'Durban' spelling adopted.

C.G. Bales is a seldom encountered gun maker and retailer who first appeared at 26 Field Street, D'urban in 1869. By 1874 he had a store at Pietermaritzburg as well, but all advertisements for him cease by 1879. He is last mentioned in 1884 as a 'Gentleman residing in Berea'; an upmarket exclusive area of Durban. This type of percussion rifle was the favoured tool of rhinoceros hunters of the time; short and light enough to be carried distances on horse-back but packing a powerful punch, and through convenience persisted well into the cartridge era.
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