OC - FINE- all original parts; over 30% original finish, sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; minor marks in wood.

PRF - PROFESSIONALLY REFINISHED OR RESTORED

WW - WOOD IS WORSE FOR THE PERCENT FINISH RATING GIVEN

Manufactured c. 1862/63 and representing one of the most historically important evolutionary points in the development of the sporting gun as we know it today. Daw purchased the rights to two British patents by Francois Schneider. The first of these patents (no. 1487 of June 11, 1861) introduced the snap-underlever action. The second (no. 2203 of September 4, 1861) introduced the central-fire cartridge to the world. Daw added some improvements to Schneider’s original patent under his own patent (no. 1594 of May 27, 1862), and the modern sporting gun was born. Rib signed “GEORGE H. DAW’S PATENT CENTRAL FIRE. 57 THREADNEEDLE STREET. LONDON. No.131.” Distinctive single extractor of the Schneider-Daw design. Locks signed “G.H. DAW.” London black powder and Birmingham nitro reproof marks. In brass cornered two-tier oak and leather case with large George H. Daw printed trade label. For more detailed information please see I.M. Crudgington & D.J. Baker, “The British Shotgun. Volume One 1850-1870” where the authors devote Chapter 7 to this fascinating and hugely important shotgun design. The grandfather of the modern sporting gun and an early example. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection