W.G. RAWBONE, CAPE TOWN (Rifle/Fowler)

[TexasJacob]

Howdy from Texas,

I have another one for your viewing and discussion pleasure ... Big thanks to Joe Salter Jr. for the acquisition.

Maker: W.G. RAWBONE, CAPE TOWN
Cal. .775
Barrel: 34” Flat top w/ flip up rifle sight and bead front sight (Smoothbore now, but may have been rifled in its past?)
Steel: Damascus Steel Barrel
Action: Side Lock Percussion
Stock: Wood w/ “pistol style trigger guard”

About the Maker:
William George Rawbone was originally a Birmingham gunmaker, but operated in Cape Town, SA from 1848 until ca. 1860. He then moved to Canada and opened a firearms business with his son in Toronto. The business was operational until 1882 under the management of his son, Joseph.

This rifle made its way to the US. Via Canada. It came out of a collection of guns from . I would like to think it came with the family from Africa to Canada until it made its way to me.

I must do more research, but it appears this may have been a rifle that was then bored smooth for shot as that was unfortunately done quite a bit. This may have been a smoothbore ball gun this whole time, but it is doubtful. More investigation needs to happen.

I purchased this gun because it is not often you find a South African made gun in the U.S. As I collect “firearms of adventure”, this one seemed to fit the bill nicely. This rifle was originally sources from a collection from Sothern Ontario, Canada.

I look forward to opinions and thoughts ….

My questions ….
(1) Can I still shoot a “ball” out of this, or just shot?
(2) What would be some loading suggestions?

Regards, TexasJacob

 

[Relic shooter]

Very attractive & quality made rifle, nice find !!
If after checking the condition of the stock for cracks, bore, breech area & lock for any safety issues I would replace the nipple & shoot the rifle.
Being that it's setup with a rear sight & bead type front sight, it must have been intended to shoot big game with slugs or patched round ball & shot for birds, the original ebony ramrod still retains it's wad puller.
Having been an avid shooter of mostly original firearms for 6+ decades I would try shooting a load of 70 gr. 2f & a patched round ball & see where it impacts is at 50 yards with the sights & go from there.

 

[BillinOregon]

Wonderful acquisition, Jacob. Turner Kirkland used a Rawbone four-gauge double on an elephant hunt and wrote up his safari in the Lyman "Muzzleloaders' Handbook, First Edition," published in 1976.