A fine sporting flintlock gun by Richard Fenton

Provenance: London
Dating: circa 1800
Dimensions: length 120.5 cm.
Condition: good
Three-stage, smoothbore, 17 mm cal barrel, the first section octagonal, the base with a finely engraved band followed by a silver-inlaid border and the signature "R. Fenton". Beyond this, a sixteen-sided section becoming round with moulded transition rings, fitted with front sight. Tang engraved with two hounds watching two ducks, together with a trophy of arms and a shield bearing the Union Jack. Elegant flintlock signed "R. FENTON", engraved with sunburst decoration, a hound, a hare, and floral and geometric motifs, incorporating waterproofing and anti-friction features. Two-snap, working mechanism. Half-stock with finely chequered base, fitted with iron mounts richly engraved with hunting scenes and floral motifs; the trigger guard with the monogram "CX" (dated 1810?). Backstrap with small escutcheon. Horn-tipped, wooden ramrod with metal cartridge extractor. Preserved in its original wooden case with recessed brass carrying handle. The interior is lined in green cloth and complete with all its accessories. The inside of the lid retains the case maker's trade label: "THO's PEAKE Knife case & Cabinet Maker Windsor Court MONKWELL STREET - WOOD STREET CHEAPSIDE LONDON". Keith Neal Collection medal numbered "C 205".