This superb example of a presentation grade gold inlaid Remington No. 1 rolling block shotgun is pictured and described in Wallace Gusler and James Lavin's book "Decorated Firearms, 1540-1870: From the Collection of Clay P. Bedford" (pages 232-233). It also appears on page 232 of "Steel Canvas: The Art of American Arms" by R. L. Wilson where it is described as having been manufactured in Liege as a showpiece and for Samuel Remington's personal use while in Europe. The gold inlaid motifs on this shotgun showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of the decorative arts of the period with an affinity to European design. The gold inlay is fine floral scrollwork, which adorns the frame, tangs, trigger guard, hammer, breechblock, ramrod tailpiece and buttplate and has wedges at the breech and muzzle of the barrel. The frame has nearly 75% coverage. Gold line borders appear on the frame, breech block, hammer, trigger guard, barrel wedge escutcheons, buttplate (including the trapdoor) and ramrod pipes. The scrollwork on the sides of the frame is intermixed with a gold inlaid hunting dog stalking game birds. The top of the frame has an extraordinary gold inlaid patriotic eagle/shield with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" motif on an engraved background. The upper tang has "REMINGTON" in gold with "PATENT" marked above the screw. The trigger guard has a gold inlaid fawn. The top of the barrel rib has "E. REMINGTON & SONS ILION NEW-YORK. U.S.A." inside a decorative panel, all in gold. The underside of the barrel under the forearm has Belgian proofs, including the Liege ELG proof. The barrel has a brown Damascus finish with the remaining surfaces casehardened. Mounted with a highly figured smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock featuring a shotgun buttplate with trap compartment.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel retains 90% original brown Damascus showing some minor fading. The remaining metal surfaces retain 80% subdued case colors, otherwise faded to a gray. There is some minor flash type pitting. The ramrod is missing the tip. The wood is very fine showing a series of minor pressure dents on the top and underside of the buttstock, otherwise some minor handling marks overall and retaining most of the finish. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: Formerly of The Clay Bedford Collection, The Robert M. Lee Collection, and property of a Gentleman.