According to the included factory letter, this shotgun was manufactured for Schoverling & Daly as part of an order of nine muzzle loaders and eighteen breech loaders received on August 20th, 1873. The factory records list the gun as "Our Patent Action Central Fire Breech loader with stub damascus barrels 30 inch 12 bore. Our patent strokers and rebounding locks. Plain finish at 15 pounds [price not weight]." A single bead sight is fitted at the front of the solid rib which is marked "WILLIAM POWELL & SON. 13 CARRS LANE. BIRMINGHAM." The breech opens via a lever on the upper tang that lifts upwards and is marked with "POWELL'S PATENT". The underside of the barrels has several proofs along with the serial number which is also marked on the forearm and elongated trigger guard tang. The water table is marked "POWELLS/1465/PATENT/SS" and has two cross scepter proofs. The action has some light border designs, and both sides are marked "WILLIAM POWELL & SON". The firing pins are marked "LOADED". The barrels are choked at improved cylinder and have 2 1/2 inch chambers with an extractor. It is mounted on a checkered walnut forearm and straight wrist stock. The length of pull is 14 inches.

Fine. The barrels retain faded brown finish with a forming brown patina, some spots of oxidation, and visible Damascus patterns. The other metal surfaces display a mottled brown patina. The wood is fine with some chips, minor repairs, and small pressure marks. The action is fine, and the markings are clear.