Very Rare 1837 British Trials Heurteloup's Kroptipteur Musket - Seen on Pawn Stars

Description

09/04/26 - For sale is a rare trials Heurteloup's Koptipteur Lock Musket made for the British military around 1837. The design is unique, utilizing an early priming tape similar to the Maynard system. The priming design was described as "A tube or ribbon containing the fulminate compound housed in or alongside the firearms lock or frame." When the action was cocked, a portion of that would feed onto the nipple and detonate when the trigger was pulled. There was a sharpened edge on the hammer, which would cut away the used segment after firing. The Heurteloup system also utilized an underside hammer and kept the moving parts still within the stock. 

Heurteloup would patent his action and priming system in France, England, and Belgium in the 1830's and in the US in the 1840s. This rifle would be adopted in small numbers by the Belgian Military, but did not see success elsewhere. The British Board of Ordnance was looking for a replacement of their Brown Bess Musket. The Koptipteur rifle would be submitted for trials but would end up being rejected. Roughly 100 were made for the trials. 

This example is in fantastic condition for its age. The barrel has a brownish oxidation/patina throughout, but no pitting to be concerned of. The barrel is marked with a ЯRover Broadhead arrow on the left side. The stock is in excellent condition with light dents and surface scuffs. There are a few slivers absent along the woodline with the barrel on the left side. The right side of the buttstock is stamped with an Opposing Broadhead Arrows denting "sold out of Service, as well as on the left side near the hammer/lock.  The bore is dark from oxidation but no corroded. The hammer locks back properly and the trigger drops the hammer. Comes with an IMA Certificate of Authenticity. 

This example was seen on an episode of Pawn Stars, which can be seen below.