This highly attractive double rifle was manufactured in circa 1846 by the famous Smith brothers who are regarded by many as being among the best London gunmakers of the period. It features unusual hexadecagonal browned Damascus barrels with a flat rib fitted with a dovetailed blade front sight and four-leaf rear sight graduated out to 200 yards, and “SAML. & C. SMITH. PRINCES STREET LEICESTER SQRE. LONDON” signed on top at the breech. The casehardened patent breeches have platinum plugs and "Imperial caps" nipples, and the rib section is engraved “SMITH’S PATENT” within a platinum inlaid border. Samuel Smith patented the "Imperial caps" and corresponding nipples and hammers in 1830 (patent no. 5978). The underside of the barrels are marked with the serial number and London proof marks, and the serial number is repeated on the breech plug hooks, forend, and heel extension. The casehardened standing breech has fine scroll engraving. The flat casehardened locks are each signed “SAML. & C. SMITH/PRINCES ST. LONDON” and have fine scroll engraving and the distinctive Smith hammer with screw retained nose for “Imperial” caps. The mounts are silver with finely detailed engraving, including game, and London hallmarks on the trigger guard tang and buttplate, including the "L" date code for 1846 and a "J.P.M" silversmith's marks. The walnut half-stock has a checkered wrist, and sling eyes are fitted to the butt and middle ramrod ferrule (swivels included in the case). The baleen ramrod has a silver tip and brass covered worm. In quarter-sawn oak fitted case lined in green baize, the lid with large Samuel & Charles Smith printed trade label detailing their “Imperial” caps as well as markings in Indian script and a suite of accessories, including a second ramrod, cleaning rod, mallet, ball mold, balls, and an Imperial pillar wrench. The exterior of the lid has a brass escutcheon incorporating the flush fitting carrying handle engraved with an Indian letter or numeral. An included copy of an October 8, 1962, dated letter from W. Keith Neal selling Norman R. Blank this double rifle, the two-bore rifle in Lot 274, and other firearms. These guns were purchased by W. Keith Neal out of the collection of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Provenance: The Collection of the Maharaja of Jodhpur; W. Keith Neal; The Norman R. Blank Collection

Very fine with 70% plus original brown and casehardened finish, visible Damascus patterns, mostly bright silver with slight patina, crisp engraving and markings throughout, and generally minor overall wear. The stock is fine and has crisp checkering, worn finish on the forend, and some scratches and dents. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are fine with mild age and storage related wear.