A James Bond-esque shotgun disguised as a walking stick has been surrendered to Greater Manchester Police as part of their ‘Give Up The Gun’ firearms amnesty.
The antique blaster, which is estimated at being manufactured in the late 1800s, has a 410 shotgun concealed within the casing.
Cane guns are typical of the 19th and early 20th century and were used by gentlemen to hunt wild game within their grounds.
However, in the present day, cane guns are strictly prohibited weapons and are mostly held in rare private collections and museums.
“This cane gun is a very peculiar discovery,” assistant Chief Constable Ian Wiggett said.
“As a prohibited weapon, not even a license will cover the possession of this item, so the owner did the right thing in handing it over to us, where it will be processed and safely destroyed.”
The firearms amnesty was launched earlier this month and is due to close at 11.59pm on Saturday July 26.
DEADLY: The cane gun were typically used to hunt game
So far during this amnesty, 164 weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition have been handed over to police, with a fluctuating range of shotguns, air rifles and hand-held pistols surrendered so far.
To relinquish these unwanted or unlicensed weapons side steps the risk of them becoming involved in criminality and allows them to be disposed of safely.
Detective Chief Inspector Debbie Dooley of the Xcalibre Task Force said: “We are delighted with the progress of the amnesty – it’s been a great success so far and the range of weapons we have received has been eye-opening.
“In the wrong hands, firearms are incredibly dangerous and we would urge people to come forward and take advantage of the last few days of the amnesty, no questions asked.”
Until Saturday, those surrendering firearms will avoid prosecution for the illegal possession of guns and will remain anonymous.
During the amnesty there has also been a change of legislation which deems it illegal for certain people to possess weapons such as Antique firearms.
