British, c.1860–1880, Cased Percussion Sporting Shotgun, by J.W. Parkhouse, Taunton, with Accessories, Obsolete Calibre

*British, c.1860–1880, Cased Percussion Sporting Shotgun, by J.W. Parkhouse, Taunton, with Accessories, Obsolete Calibre*

A highly attractive and well-presented Victorian cased percussion sporting shotgun by J.W. Parkhouse, Gun and Rifle Maker, 54 High Street, Taunton, retaining its original trade label and a substantial suite of period accessories.

The single-barrel percussion gun measures 117cm overall with a 73cm barrel of octagonal-to-round form. The lockplate is crisply engraved “Parkhouse” amid flowing foliate scrollwork and features an engraved sporting dog (pointer type), a classic English hunting motif. The walnut stock shows pleasing figure and honest age patina, fitted with single trigger and traditional percussion hammer. The gun cocks and dry fires correctly. The underside of the barrel carries Birmingham commercial proof marks including Crown over crossed sceptres and Crown over “V”, consistent with mid-Victorian proofing and entirely typical for a provincial maker sourcing components from Birmingham trade suppliers. A silver escutcheon to the wrist is engraved with a crest depicting a bird of prey beneath a pennant over a lozenge plate with monogram, almost certainly representing the original owner rather than the maker.

The shotgun is housed in its original fitted wooden case with blue baize lining and original Parkhouse trade label to the interior lid. The case contains a comprehensive selection of accessories, including:
- Original wooden ramrod with brass threaded tip
- Three-piece wooden cleaning rod with brush head, with brass fittings
- Tow / wadding
- Embossed brass powder flask (shell pattern body)
- Brown leather shot flask with brass spring charger
- French adjustable brass measure with wooden handle, marked on the obverse “Grammes Plombs” and “Grammes T Poudre”, and stamped to the base with an anchor flanked by “N” – N, indicating French naval/marine supply. The French adjustable measure is a period piece calibrated in grams for both lead shot and powder and represents an interesting maritime accessory addition to the case.
- A later 20th century brass percussion cap dispenser (“capper”) marked “Made Italy,” included with the set but not original to the Victorian period.

Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 73 cm. Overall length: 117 cm.

Historical Note:
J.W. Parkhouse (sometimes recorded as John William Parkhouse) operated from 54 High Street, Taunton, during the mid-to-late 19th century. As a provincial Victorian gunmaker, Parkhouse would have sourced barrels and lock components from Birmingham before finishing, stocking and engraving the firearm locally to meet the sporting requirements of his clientele. Provincial makers such as Parkhouse often produced guns of excellent quality in smaller numbers than their London counterparts, and surviving cased examples with original trade labels are increasingly scarce.

*Condition*
The barrel retains an even age patina with clear proof marks. The lock engraving remains well defined and the maker’s name fully legible. The walnut stock shows honest handling wear and small marks consistent with age and sporting use. The escutcheon engraving remains visible with light tarnish. Mechanically, the gun cocks and dry fires. The case is structurally sound with age wear to the exterior. The trade label shows expected ageing but remains readable. Accessories are largely period; the Italian-marked piece is a later addition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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