Manufactured c. 1886-7 during the short-lived partnership of Watson & Hancock who succeeded William Watson & Sons at 308 High Holborn between 1886 and 1890. The presence of “Not For Ball” proof marks indicates manufacture no later than 1887 when the rules of proof changed. With browned Damascus barrels each engraved with a band of stylized foliage at the breech end. Concave rib signed “WATSON & HANCOCK. 308. HIGH HOLBORN. LONDON” and engraved with a spray of foliage at the breech end. Action with carved percussion fences and blued toplever. Back action sidelocks each signed “WATSON & HANCOCK” and blued trigger guard. With fine classic English border and scroll engraving throughout. Well-figured 14 1/4" walnut straight hand stock with carved drop points, checkered grip and forearm, horn buttplate, and blank silver oval initial escutcheon on the underside of the butt. London “Not For Ball” black powder and Birmingham nitro reproof marks. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection