Green and Westmore muzzle loader

[Mike]

Interested to find some information on a 70 bore muzzle loader by Green and Westmore. Lock marked Green and Westmore Warrented.
The gun is in percution format now but belive it was a flintlock.

[Tascosa Joe]

Do you have pictures?

[Mike]

Sorry no it was in a aution at the weekend but did not sell i belive.

[Blair]

Mike,

A 70 bore is pretty small. Can you translate that into calibers for us?
Was there anything marked on the firearm other than Green and Westmore Warrented on the lock?
My best,
Blair

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

"bore" is the number of round lead projectiles that can be cast from a pound of lead.

1 pound = 7000 grains

7000 divided by 70 = 100 grains.

There are many tables out there that can translate 'bore' to caliber. here's one;

http://www.bersachat.com/forums/showthread.php?1558-Round-Ball-Weight-Diameter-to-Grains

The answer is about .40 caliber.

[Blair]

Sir Charles,

Thank you.

I was thinking more along the lines of a .38 cal. patched round ball. Not unheard of within the late 1850's target shooting groups.
My best,
Blair

[Mike]

It was about 38 cal, no marking other than on the lock. I will try and see if the action will send me pictures.

[Professor Marvel]

My Dear Mike - here is what I found for you:

from http://www.militaria.co.nz/CatPages/2016AprCatalogue.pdf

It is  Item 1914
70 Bore Green and Westmore Muzzle Loading  Percussion Plains Rifle.  43½" heavy octagonal  barrel.  White metal blade foresight.  Open V rear sight.  Lock marked "Green and Westmore Warranted".  Metalwork with some finish to a dark plum brown patina. 
Brass forend cap, ramrod pipes, trigger guard with finger rest, crescent butt plate and an ornate patch box.  Full length tiger striped stock with cheek piece.  Wooden ramrod with brass tip.   Double triggers.  Overall length 59".  S/N NVN.  GWO&C.

unfortunately I cannot find a photo of item 1914

for interesting photos go here click on each "Page" ie "Page01.jpg and grab em before they are gone:
http://www.militaria.co.nz/CatPages/

there are some really odd ones:

Item 779
Cased .380 Calibre Galand & Somervale Patent 6  Shot Open Frame Revolver.  3¾" barrel with British
proof and view marks.  Blade foresight.  Open U rear sight is part of the back of the frame.  Marked
"Crown C.F.G".  Cylinder with British proofs.  A unique ejection system that by pulling the trigger
guard lever downward enables the barrel and cylinder to slide forward leaving ejector and the
spent cases behind.  Metalwork with approximately 50% finish to a brown patina.  Good chequered
walnut grips.  Lanyard ring.  Overall length 7¾",  S/N L128.  G+WO&C.  ENDORSED LICENCE
REQUIRED.  In its partitioned mahogany case.  Red baize lined.  Pewter oil bottle and brass tipped steel
cleaning rod.  All in GC.  Estimate $800 - $1000.  #

altho they did mispell it is a Galand-Somerville
http://www.nramuseum.org/the-museum/the-galleries/innovation,-oddities-and-competition/case-44-the-mother-of-invention-cartridge-technology/galand-somerville-revolver.aspx

I'll see what else I can find on them

yhs
prof marvel

[Mike]

I was there and had it in my hands.

[Mike]

I am told the reserve is $3000.NZ $
Any one interested can contact Ted at the web site.