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Rare & Very Fine British ''Hay Pattern Enfield'' Percussion Rifle by Isaac Hollis & Sons

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,800.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Rare & Very Fine British ''Hay Pattern Enfield'' Percussion Rifle by Isaac Hollis & Sons
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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2024 Nov 23 @ 09:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
.577 cal., 36'' barrel with a bright excellent bore. This rare ''Hay Pattern'' or ''Medium Enfield'' rifle was designed by Colonel Charles Crawford Hay, the first commandant of the School of Musketry located in Hythe, Kent. Hay's experiments with the Pattern 1853 rifle-musket proved that a faster rifling twist rate, and a shorter 36'' barrel was ideal for the current service load. Testing also revealed that moving the rear sight forward on the barrel created a better sight picture. The ''Hay Pattern Enfield'' he designed incorporated these findings in addition to a rear sight graduated to 1150 yards, fittings made of ''gun metal'' (bronze), and a rear sling swivel moved from the front of the triggerguard to the rear of the elongated tang. Though the Board of Ordnance never adopted Hay's pattern for general use, the accuracy of his design was popular with target shooters and volunteers who acquired these rifles from commercial makers. The barrel of this rare rifle retains about 70% original blue thinning and toning to plum-brown patina under bright light with a few small dings between the middle and upper bands, some light pitting and wear near the muzzle, and some expected light handling marks. The fittings, which are iron rather than bronze, are toning to a dark gray patina with some scattered areas of light pitting and old light oxidation. Iron fittings are found on other Hay pattern Enfields, as evidenced by the included and extremely helpful description of another example by Tim Prince of College Hill Arsenal. The protected areas of the lockplate are toning to a pewter case-hardened patina and it is crisply marked ''J. ASTON / HYTHE.'' The left side of the breech also shows clear Birmingham proofs and ''25'' caliber markings, and the top of the barrel bears ''ISAAC HOLLIS & SONS MAKERS to HER MAJESTY's WAR DEPARTMENT.'' The checkered walnut stock rates very fine with some scattered expected dings and light handling marks. The checkering remains sharp and there is an unengraved monogram plate on the toe line. The nipple protector and chain have been lost to the years, the original sights, ramrod, and Palmer patent clamping bands and locking screws are intact, and the action is strong and crisp. This is a wonderful opportunity for the Enfield or British martial collector to add a very fine example of these rare rifles to their collection. (23D11415-4) {ANTIQUE} (4000/6000)