This beautiful shotgun was manufactured in 1983 and features very fine English scroll engraving on the locks and frame and gold inlaid relief rose leaf and vine patterns on the locks, fences, break lever, underside of the frame, trigger guard, lower tang, breech end of the barrels and rib, and forearm hardware. Each lock is gold inlaid "JOHN/WILKES" amid a relief gold inlaid vine design. There is gold inlaid wire bordering on all of the engraved areas and a gold inlaid wire around the breech end of the barrels. The chopperlump barrels feature a single bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib, which is gold inlaid "JOHN WILKES 79 BEAK STREET LONDON. W.I." The serial number on the lower tang and on the inside of the forearm hardware are gold inlaid; the lower tang number is n a gold inlaid banner. The inner forearm hardware is engraved with fine English scroll patterns and internal parts are gold washed. The matching serial number is also marked on the underside of the right barrel. The flats are marked ".729", nitro proof, "12" in a diamond, "2 3/4" and "3 1/4 TONS" on both sides, and the water table is marked with two "crown/GP" proofmarks. 2 3/4 inch chambers, choked improved modified/improved modified and ejectors. Casehardened frame and locks, blue remaining parts, double triggers, gold line cocking indicators and automatic safety with gold inlaid "SAFE". Mounted with a very highly figured multi-point checkered walnut forearm and straight grip stock with teardrop flats, checkered bare butt and a gold initial oval. Drop at the heel is 1 5/8 inches, drop at the comb is 1 1/4 inches, length of pull is 14 1/4 inches, wall thickness is .055/.055 and the bore diameter is .729/.729 inch. Comes with a black leather and oak takedown case with brass corner protectors, leather straps and leather handle, wine colored felt lining with leather John Wilkes label attached to the inside of the lid. There is a canvas cover with leather corner protectors, trim and label. In the case are a two-piece brass and wood cleaning rod, a round brass container with screw on lid numbered to the gun, two brass snap caps, a "JOHN WILKES/LONDON" marked oiler, a can of lubricant, and a bore mop and brush.

Excellent. The shotgun retains 99% plus original blue and casehardened finish. There is a small minor scratch on the underside of the left barrel near the forearm and overall only light handling marks. All of the gold inlay remains, and 95% of the gold wash remains on the internal parts. The stock is also excellent with a few light blemishes and a few minor dings and pressure dents. The checkering is sharp. Mechanically excellent. The case and cover are excellent with a few minor scuffs on the leather and some light staining on the canvas cover. The accessories are all excellent. A beautiful masterfully embellished John Wilkes shotgun.