Built in circa 1891 as an enormous Fosbery patent “Paradox” ball and shot gun with rifled chokes which have since been removed. With browned Damascus barrels respectively signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 98. NEW BOND STREET. LONDON/“PARADOX” FOSBERY PATENT” towards the breech ends which are each engraved with a band of stylized foliage. Solid raised partially matted rib with bead front sight, blued rear sight of one folding leaf with platinum inlaid center line, and doll’s head extension engraved with a shell. The underside of the barrels with London black powder proof marks and Birmingham nitro reproof marks. Border and scroll engraved action with carved percussion fences and blued underlever. Back action rebounding locks each with border and scroll engraving, signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” and with blued hammer. Well-figured 14 1/4 inch pistol grip stock with ventilated rubber recoil pad, raised cheekpiece, and checkered grip and forearm, the latter with lever latch. The underside of the butt with blank silver initial escutcheon and sling mount, the corresponding sling mount on the underside of the barrels. Weight 14 lbs. 13.6 oz. In a brass cornered fitted leather case lined in green baize, the lid with large Holland & Holland printed trade label and “Paradox” loading instructions. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Barrels retaining 90% rebrowned finish, tube signatures legible but worn. Action and rebounding back action locks brushed bright, scroll engraving clear but heavily softened, hammers, trigger guard and underlever reblued with worn engraving. Well-figured pistol grip stock, refinished, well-defined checkering, later ventilated rubber recoil pad. Mechanically very good. Case with external age related discoloration, relined and refitted to the gun, the main trade label incomplete, the loading instructions label with a patch of wear. No compartment lids.