Manufactured during the late 19th century. William Evans is one of the few remaining independent English gun makers, specializing in shotguns as well as bolt and double rifles. The firm was established in 1883, with this example produced around 1911 or 1912. Featuring a single brass bead on the polished concave rib marked "WILLIAM EVANS GUN MAKER TO H.R.H. THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT. 63 PALL MALL LONDON S.W." The rib is also marked with a gold inlaid "1" just forward of the breech with light scroll engraving. With 2 3/4 inch chambers and improved cylinder/modified chokes. The frame and lock plates are intricately engraved in a distinctly English style floral and vine scroll with detailed borders and a shaded background. The break lever, trigger guard and tangs are similarly engraved with a gold inlaid "1" on the lever. Mounted on a multi-point checkered walnut splinter forearm and straight grip stock with a silver initial oval marked "JBP" and engraved steel heel and toe plates on the butt. Length of pull is 14 1/4 inches,

Very fine as professionally refinished with 90% of the blue on the barrels with areas of light pitting under the forearm that have been cleaned and blued over. The frame shows some small traces of light original case colors with the balance aged to a mostly uniform silver/gray patina with some small handling marks. The wood is good as refinished with a repaired break at the toe, scattered small indentations, surface scratches and attractive grain. Mechanically very good.