VERY RARE ASH STEEL AND WROUGHT-IRON CEMETERY GUN, ENGLAND, 18TH / EARLY 19TH CENTURY

Jurgensen Machine Co., New York.

Museum of Mourning Art, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

Fine condition, commensurate with outdoor use.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Not illustrated.

These pivoting swivel guns were used in conjunction with three trip wires strung around their position at night designed to catch grave robbers unaware. They were costly and would often be rented by the cemetery to placate concerned recently bereaved families, who feared for the corpses of their loved ones at the hands of those supplying anatomists in this gruesome and lucrative trade.