According to consignor notes (letter from an individual from the UK dated November 5, 2005) this shotgun was made for a Mr. R.L. Pemberton in 1856 and was originally a muzzle loader with "2'8" barrels ("quote from the register") and converted to center fire in Birmingham sometime in the 19th Century. The shotgun presently has 30 7/8 inch barrels with a smooth concave solid rib marked "CHARLES LANCASTER 151 NEW BOND ST. LONDON" and fitted with a single steel bead sight. 2 3/4 inch chambers with an extractor. The underside of the barrels are marked "10" and with various proofmarks. The water table is marked with two Birmingham proofmarks. The locks, action, hammers, break lever and forearm hardware are engraved with fine floral scroll designs and each lock is marked "C. LANCASTER". The trigger guard is engraved with two hunting dogs and there are game birds on the lower tang. Blue barrels, trigger guard and break lever with casehardened remaining parts. Mounted with a multi-point checkered walnut forearm and straight grip stock with an iron buttplate having a 4 3/4" engraved tang. Length of pull is 14 3/8".

Good as altered (see above) and refinished with 90% blue finish remaining on the barrels showing moderate oxidation overall. The trigger guard plate and inside of the trigger guard show much of the bright blue finish. The action and locks retain 40% case colors mixed with smooth gray patina. The forearm hardware has a smooth gray patina. The wood is also good with a number of small scratches on the left side of the stock, scattered minor dents and dings, and crisp checkering. The firing pins are broken, otherwise the action functions well. The markings and engraving are clear.