Cockermouth: Rare guns top the lots at Mitchells auction

Mitchells Auction Company hosted their recent Sporting Sale, with the top 10 lots dominated by sporting guns.

A Polaris Ranger 4x4 vehicle was the only non-gun item to break into the top tier, selling for £1,800.

A Polaris Ranger 4x4 vehicle sold for £1,800 (Image: Mitchells)

The highest-selling firearm was a rare Alex Blair 8-gauge shotgun, featuring 36-inch barrels, which sold for £1,500.

The shotgun was part of a private collection of 20 guns offered at auction.

Other highlights included an early 19th-century Blake of London brass-barrelled flintlock pistol, measuring 34cm in length with an 8-inch barrel.

Antique guns included an early 1800s flintlock pistol, which sold for £400 (Image: Mitchells)

The pistol fetched £400.

Shooting enthusiasts were particularly taken by an 1861 James Dixon and Sons powder flask pattern book, considered extremely rare by collectors.

Despite a modest estimate of £50 to £80, the item sold to an online bidder for £480.

Amongst shooting miscellany was a very rare 1861 James Dixon and Sons powder flask pattern book (Image: Mitchells)

Additional gun-related memorabilia also drew attention.

A silver sandwich tin and flask realised £350.

A set of musket flints believed to have come from the shipwreck that claimed the life of Captain John Wordsworth, brother of poet William Wordsworth, sold to an international buyer for £170.

Other valuable shooting miscellany included a silver sandwich tin and flask which made £350 (Image: Mitchells)

Taxidermy also featured in the sale.

The top lot in this category was a merlin, which sold for £320.

Among the decorative items, a large bronze sculpture of a horse measuring 66cm high and 102cm from nose to tail also made £320.

A collection of musket flints believed to be from the shipwreck which killed Captain John Wordsworth, brother of the poet William Wordsworth, sold to an international buyer for £170 (Image: Mitchells)

The fishing section drew interest from enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The highest-value rod was a Hardy The Marvel Palakona split cane trout fly rod, measuring 7ft 6in in three sections with two tips.

The rod was purchased for £480 by a gentleman as a gift to himself for his 50th birthday and will be used on future fishing trips.

Other notable lots included a small blue boat complete with oars, which fetched £450.

Mitchells is now inviting entries for various upcoming sales set to take place this summer. 

These include its Antiques and Fine Art Sale from June 10 to 12, and its Vintage Toy and Model Sale on July 30.

The company offers free valuations by appointment at its Cockermouth saleroom, as well as home visits across the South Lakes and Furness areas.

Valuation requests, including photographs, can also be sent by email.

Mitchells also provides valuation services for insurance and probate, along with full house clearance options.

You can contact Mitchells on 01900 827800.