The maker’s records list this as a “pea” rifle with four groove rifling and sold on May 9, 1861 to a Captain Hay of the 72nd Regiment of Foot (The Duke of Albany's Own Highlanders). “Pea” rifle was the contemporary term for small gauge rifles. With browned damascus twist octagonal barrel with file cut matted top flat signed “JOHN DICKSON & SON” and “63 PRINCES STREET, EDINBURGH”, fitted with bead front sight and rear sight of one standing and one folding leaf each with platinum inlaid center line and graduated to “100” yards. The underside of the barrel fitted with a three quarter length rib bearing two ramrod pipes, the rear pipe incorporating a sling eye, the corresponding sling eye fitted to the underside of the butt, and struck with London proof marks and maker’s mark “J D & S”. Brass mounted ramrod with worm. Casehardened recessed patent breech with platinum plug engraved with a rosette, and engraved with scrollwork with feathered border lines. Scroll engraved standing breech and lock, the latter signed “JOHN DICKSON & SON”, engraved with a fine panel scene involving a lion chasing a stag and fitted with a safety bolt behind the hammer. Well figured walnut straight hand half stock with checkered grip and forearm, the underside of the butt inset with a blank silver oval initial escutcheon, and small dark horn forearm cap. Engraved iron mounts including pistol grip trigger guard with checkered finger rest and a panel scene of two recumbent deer on the bow.

Barrel retaining 30% original browned finish, signatures crisp. The breech retains 40% original casehardened finish, mostly to the underside. The ramrod is not original to the rifle. The engraving is mostly clear and sharp throughout, especially to the lock. The stock has a pleasing figure and has well defined checkering, some light storage and handling blemishes throughout. Overall a delightful diminutive percussion rifle from the most famous Scottish gunmaker. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.