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HAND-CARVED BONE GATLING GUN –
FULLY ARTICULATED SCALE MODEL WITH INCREDIBLE DETAIL:
A beautiful example of
the model maker’s art, this scale model of an Indian
Wars era Gatling Gun is made entirely of bone in
extremely fine detail.
Each piece, as you can see in the photographs, is
fashioned of a separate piece of bone prior to being
assembled or attached to the model. For example, each
wheel consists of in excess of 70 individual parts –
including the tire rims, the wheel arcs, the spokes,
hubs, etc. and bone pins that were used to assemble the
wheel. The wheels turn independently on the separate
brass axle that is encased in the bone structure of the
carriage. Each of the gun barrels are separate pieces,
and each is bored out to a depth of approximately one
inch. The barrel assembly freely rotates on the center
axis, and the hand crank turns, but is not geared to the
barrel assembly. The elevation screw turns, is fitted
with individual adjustment nuts on the threaded shaft,
and operates up and down. The drum magazine, which
turns on a bone spindle, is made of a separate top and
bottom and each of the slats are hand cut and fitted
during the assembly. The carriage is fashioned of
several slabs of bone, assembled as if they were pieces
of lumber. Each of the rivet heads you see in the
photos is applied individually, as are the heads of pins
that were used to assemble the model. The nuts on the
end of the barrel assembly and on the underside of the
carriage are threaded and will turn off with hand
pressure. Measuring overall 15.5" long, and 7.5" wide
with wheels 6" in diameter, this piece is in excellent
proportion and makes an impressive presentation yet is
of a size to display easily.
The field carriage is one unit, and the wheels, barrel
assembly, magazine, and elevation screw are all
individual components that can be removed from the
carriage. Given the nature of the bone and the amount
of time and skill necessary to hand craft such a piece;
it is truly amazing that all the parts that should move
on such a piece are fully articulated. This piece is in
excellent condition with no damage and with a nicely
aged patina.
This is a unique work of art that would be an impressive
addition to your collection room or an executive’s
desk. $2150
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