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Flintlock Grave Robber's Trap Gun

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:900.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,000.00 USD
Flintlock Grave Robber's Trap Gun
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
Scarce Large 18th Century Boxed Flintlock Grave Robber's Trap Gun, 9-1/2'' iron barrel, with Charleville type flintlock mechanism and steel pan. Ensconced in pine box with wire trigger pull. Often called a ''Chicken Thief Gun'' used to trap would-be chicken thieves or grave robbers. These guns were often mounted on a base and hidden from sight, with trip wires rigged for would-be violators. The theft of human bodies from grave sites for profit in the 19th Century caused the rise in use of trap guns to secure grave sites from violation. Condition is fine to near excellent with some loss of green paint to exterior box. Iron mounting stake is present. Exterior trigger mechanism appears to be slightly more modern. (Walt Hallstein collection) Est.: $1,500-$2,000.