British Coach Gun with Bayonet by John Rea & Sons (AL5166)

British coach gun with bayonet by John Rea & Sons. John Rea & Sons, gunmakers,91 Minories, listed from 1798-1809. This is a very well-made flintlock coach gun. Makers name as above is on the barrel under the spring bayonet when folded into the lock position. The stock has 95% or more of the original varnish. The grip is checkered with very attractive pattern of squares with a “4-dot” pattern in each square. The lock is marked “REA” and the cock has a sliding safety. The butt stock tang is engraved with cannon, lances and shield. The trigger guard finial is beautifully engraved with a pineapple on a plinth. The barrel is 13½” and has London proofs, overall length is 28”. This spring bayonet assembly is unusual as the lockdown device is more elaborate than the great majority of bayonet coach guns. This appears to be a innovation of the gun maker. The lock device on virtually all coach guns is a simple sliding catch that holds the tip of the bayonet. This catch usually becomes loose or wobbly, resulting in the bayonet springing open creating a danger. This one is secure and better engineered. Very fine coach gun with beautiful patinaed brass.