Description
MICHEL LEKEU ELEPHANT GUN THE VICTORIAN TANK KILLER: A Museum-Grade 4-Bore Percussion Elephant Rifle by Michel Lekeu (Arquebusier du Roi)
Overview
Before modern armored fighting vehicles, the apex predators of the natural world were hunted with the 19th-century equivalent of static heavy artillery. Tanks-Alot Ltd is incredibly proud to offer a true titan of firearms history: a monumental 4-Bore Single-Barrel Muzzleloading Percussion Elephant Rifle, custom-crafted by the elite Belgian master workshop of Michel Lekeu in Liège (circa 1845–1865).
Bearing the prestigious title “Arquebusier du Roi” (Gunmaker to the King), this weapon was built exclusively for the highest tiers of European aristocracy and wealthy frontier expeditions. It represents the absolute pinnacle of dangerous game hunting history.
The Mechanics of a Monster:
- The Massive 4-Bore Calibre: The jaw-dropping muzzle profile reveals a colossal internal bore diameter of 1 inch (25.4 mm). This rifle was engineered to fire a staggering quarter-pound lead ball (1,750 grains / 4 ounces) propelled by massive payloads of black powder.
- True Slow-Twist Rifling: Looking down the muzzle reveals pristine, incredibly deep, multi-groove slow-twist rifling. This deliberate engineering feat stabilized massive lead projectiles without stripping the metal at maximum velocity.
- Over 20 lbs of Kinetic Defiance: Weighing in at an immense 20+ pounds, the enormous wall thickness of the steel barrel was explicitly hand-forged as a vital counterweight to absorb the crushing, bone-shattering recoil of a 4-bore charge.
Condition & Artisan Accoutrements
- The Royal Signature: The top flat of the octagonal-to-round swamped barrel features a pristine, razor-sharp inscription reading: “M. LEKEU R. DU ROI A LIEGE”.
- Pristine Case Hardening: The lock plate, signed with a matching “M. LEKEU”, displays an incredibly rich, vibrant, and authentic case-hardened steel finish that has remained unmarred by time.
- Premium Finishes: The barrel boasts a beautiful, linear faux-Damascus anti-glare finish designed to prevent sun reflection down the long sight-line. The robust walnut half-stock features a deep original lustre, an elegant flared trigger guard, and a crisp brass escutcheon plate inset near the forend wedge.
Why This is an Investment-Grade Masterpiece
While utility shotguns and military muskets were produced by the hundreds of thousands, true 4-bore rifled elephant guns were entirely custom-ordered luxury commissions. Finding an authentic 4-bore with an immaculate internal bore, a direct royal pedigree, and highly preserved original finishes is an extreme rarity on the global market.
Whether you are looking to dominate a high-end antique gun collection or want the ultimate historical conversation piece to sit alongside a fleet of armor, this Lekeu 4-Bore is a crowning achievement of mechanical history.
Important Safety & Legal Information:
- UK Collectors: This rifle is categorized as an Obsolete Calibre Antique under Section 58(2) of the Firearms Act. It can be legally purchased, owned, and displayed as a curiosity or ornament by anyone over the age of 18 without a Shotgun Certificate (SGC) or Firearm Certificate (FAC).
- Firing Notice: Sold strictly as a historical collectible. If ever intended for live firing, it must be properly inspected by a proof house and used strictly with custom black powder charges. Modern Nitro smokeless powder must never be used.
Interested in acquiring this piece of heavy ordnance?
Contact the Tanks A Lot team today to arrange a viewing or secure this museum-grade artifact before it marches off to auction!
Price excludes postage, please call to arrange delivery, or collect.
