Manufactured in 1883 per page 121 of Nigel Brown's "British Gunmakers Volume One: London". Built with blued steel barrels featuring a beaded blade front sight and a fixed rear sight on the matted solid rib, "CHARLES LANCASTER 151. NEW BOND STREET. LONDON" and "PATENT SMOOTH BORE BREECH LOADING RIFLE" marked on the left and right respectively, London black powder proofs, and chambers with a single extractor. Both barrels are proofed at "38" gauge which equates to 50 caliber, likely .500 Black Powder Express based on the measurements of the included snap caps. The barrels are fitted to a casehardened hammer fired Jones rotary underlever backaction with "CHARLES LANCASTER,/LONDON" marked on either lockplate. The rifle features non-rebounding hammers, safety bars, and dual triggers. The rifle is mounted with a nicely figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend and a pistol grip stock with casehardened grip cap, "W.S.W." in the inscription oval, and a blued steel buttplate. Included is a wood and canvas takedown case, snap caps, oiler, and cleaning tools. Length of pull 14 1/2 inches. Weight 8 lbs. 3 oz.

Very fine overall, retaining 85% plus original blue finish, 60% original case colors with the balance a fine grey patina, some thinning on the barrels, and overall light handling evidence. The re-varnished wood is very good with a few light dings and scratches and overall sharp recut checkering. The case is very fine. Mechanically excellent.