Original Queen Anne 1720 British Break-Action Removable Steel Cartridge Breech Loading Flintlock 10-Bore By Rowland of London from Keith Neal Collection
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Original Item: One of a Kind. This exceptional piece represents a remarkable opportunity for collectors, offering a fine example of an extremely rare early breech-loading system that utilizes a reloadable steel “cartridge.” The mechanism operates by pulling back the sliding trigger guard, which allows the action to break open and the barrel to tip upward, permitting removal of the cartridge from the breech. Simultaneously, the flash pan rotates and opens toward a small adjacent compartment, automatically “self-priming” with powder for the next discharge. This ingenious system was far ahead of its time and required a very high level of craftsmanship to execute.
The firearm measures 42 1/4 inches in overall length and features a 26 5/8 inch 10-bore swamped, three-stage tip-up barrel engraved with acanthus foliage. The gun is extensively decorated throughout, including a distinctive “Devil’s Mask” engraved on the finial of the barrel tang. It is stocked in beautifully figured walnut, with a carved shell relief surrounding the tang. There is an old repaired crack at the grip area, which has not been altered. The rear of the wrist is fitted with a decorative escutcheon bearing the owner’s monogram, which appears to read either “PR” or “TR.”
The lock plate is marked R / ROWLAND, while the top of the octagonal breech is inscribed R - ROWLAND - LONDINI, identifying the maker as Robert Rowland of London. “Londini” is the Latinized form of London, commonly used during the period. Rowland was admitted to the freedom of the Gunmakers’ Company by redemption on April 7, 1715, and died in 1721. He is known to have produced firearms for the London merchant John Tournay (“Near London Bridge or near Kingston in Surrey”), including both a gun and a rifle dated 1718, each employing the same breech-loading and self-priming system seen here. The left facet of the barrel bears the CROWN / GP gunmaker’s proof mark and the CROWN / V viewed mark from the London Proof House, with an R within a Vase mark between them, likely a personal proof mark used by Rowland.
Attached by a wire to the trigger guard is a nickel die stamped collection tag reading WILLIAM KEITH NEAL COLLECTION, featuring crossed guns surmounted by a stag’s head emblem. Beneath this appears the motto TRUTH WILL CONQUER, while the reverse is stamped with collection number G318. W. Keith Neal was a renowned English writer, collector, and firearms enthusiast who assembled one of the most important private collections of antique firearms ever known. This specific style of early breech-loader by Rowland is documented in Great British Gunmakers, 1570–1740 by W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back (pp. 403–404, plates 169 a–e). While we do not have a copy of this work to confirm whether this exact firearm is illustrated, it is confirmed as having been part of the renown Keith Neal collection.
The condition is very good overall, with a pleasing, well-developed patina across the metal surfaces and no indication of neglect or abuse. The bore is clean and clear, with some evidence of prior fouling. The action remains fully functional, though the self-priming mechanism has not been tested to confirm continued operation. The reloadable steel cartridge or chamber is a later replacement, likely produced during the 19th century after the original components were lost more than a century earlier.
An outstanding collector’s opportunity that is unlikely to present itself more than once in a lifetime. Historic firearms of this caliber typically remain in established collections for decades, only briefly reappearing on the market before passing into the care of a new custodian.
Specifications:
Year of Production: Circa 1720
Caliber: 10 Bore - about .775"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 26 5/8 inches
Overall Length: 42 1/4 inches
Action: Side Action Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
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IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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