Bidspirit auction | RARE ENGLISH FLINTLOCK SPRING TRAP

RARE ENGLISH FLINTLOCK SPRING TRAP GUN, CIRCA 1780–1825 - Rare English flintlock spring or trap gun, dating to the late 18th or early 19th century. Of the type historically employed by gamekeepers for the protection of estates and game preserves against poachers and trespassers. Constructed with a short iron barrel having a pronounced bell-form muzzle, largely enclosed within a substantial wooden housing and fitted with an exposed flintlock mechanism. The gun incorporates a long iron trip mechanism with chain and attachment fittings intended for connection to trip wires. Mounted upon an iron swivel pivot, allowing the gun to rotate toward the direction from which a wire was disturbed. The wooden body is reinforced with iron bands, while the muzzle section is formed with a turned wooden casing and flared iron muzzle. Retains its flintlock mechanism and numerous associated iron fittings. Presented on a later shaped wooden display base with pedestal support. Wood showing considerable age, wear, cracking, losses and old repairs; iron components with oxidation, pitting and patination consistent with age and use. English, circa 1780–1825. Spring guns of this general form were employed on British estates during the late 18th and early 19th centuries and were notoriously associated with the protection of game preserves from poachers. Their use became the subject of considerable controversy and was ultimately prohibited in Britain in 1827. Comparable early 19th-century examples are documented with belled barrels, wooden protective housings, trip-wire mechanisms and swivel mounts. Size: 25” long, 17” high. For additional images please visit sofedesignauctions.com Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com ***All lots are sold as-is and where is. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalog or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. All sales are final, and SOFE AUCTIONS do not give refunds. SOFE AUCTIONS ARE PLEASED TO OFFER IN-HOUSE PACKAGING AND SHIPPING SERVICES. PACKAGING SERVICE ONLY: start at $25 and up depending on your item/s. Available IN-HOUSE shipping is within the USA of small, medium, semi-large, NON-FRAGILE items. PLEASE SELECT IN-HOUSE SHIPPING FOR FAST, PROFESSIONAL PACKING AND SHIPPING.SOFE WON'T ship items in glass frames, large fragile items or large sculptures. After paying for your item/s please call SOFE at 469-268-1177, or email us at info@sofedesignauctions.com to request a shipping quote. All item/s will be shipped via UPS or FedEx, FULLY insured, unless insurance declined in writing by the buyer. SOFE AUCTIONS do not use USPS. We do have a list of suggested third-party shippers. Please visit our webpage for a list of recommended shippers.