A fine English Flintlock Eprouvette (Powder Tester) by Oates of Worcester circa 1800

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Price: £1,875

Ref: 62080718

Item Description

A fine English boxlock powder tester made with a brass frame marked with “OATES” on one side in a floral cartouche and “WORCESTER” inside the same on the  other. The backstrap on top is lightly engraved and otherwise the decoration on the brass body is plain.

The steel top jaw, cock and faceted frizzen are border engraved. The slab grip is of nicely grained walnut. The eprouvette was made without a trigger guard.  The substantial wheel is nicely engraved with 1-12 graduated markings. The powder testing chamber is integral with a sprung resistance lever at the front.

The eprouvette is in fine original condition and in fine working order.  The brass body retains a nice uncleaned patination. The cock, steel and trigger retain the original blued finish.

Not much is known about Oates of Worcester other than he was an  established smith who made fine quality guns. His surviving work is rare  but does appear occasionally at auction. See a duelling pistol by Oates sold at Wallis & Wallis on 15th October 2013 lot 1397.

Overall length 5.75 inches (just over 14 cm) when closed.