Spanish, Postilion’s Shotgun, Eibar c1871

A most interesting Postilion’s double barrel, Miquelet, percussion, shot gun. The gun, dated 1871, was made by Francisco Barrenechea of Eibar which is in the Basque country of Spain.

A Postilion is the person who rides the lead horse, drawing a carriage that has no coachman.

The .68 caliber, smoothbore barrels with sighted rib, measure 23 ½ inches with the whole arm measuring around 37 ½ inches. The barrel have Spanish black powder proofs and silver inlays reading ‘EN EIBAR / F A DE FRANCISCO BARRENECHEA / ANO 1871’. See photos.

The Miquelet locks have sparse engraving, as does the barrel tang. The hammers have been skilfully fashioned to resemble hounds with eyes, snout, ears and fur. One lock is marked ‘FRANCISCO’, the other ‘BARRENECHEA’. Both actions are in good working order.

There is also engraving on the rammer entry pipe, the extended broad trigger guard and butt plate. Note that there is also a belt hook attached in front of the trigger guard.

The walnut, half stock is in a good used condition with a 1 ½ inch repair. See photos. This form of boot shaped, Catalan style butt is seldomly seen and was designed to make the gun lighter and easier to use.

The rammer is original to the gun but is missing it’s screw on attachments.

All in all a most interesting 150 year old, double barrel, Postilion’s gun.

Sold as a collector item only.

Price includes shipping in Australia, layby available.