James Wilkinson was the successor to the famous London gunmaker Henry Nock. He was in business with his son from 1818 and they are listed at 27 Pall Mall, London from 1829 until 1852. The serial number dates this ball gun to circa 1840. Browned twist barrels with raised flat rib signed “WILKINSON. &. SON. GUN MAKERS TO HER MAJESTY. PALL MALL. LONDON.”, engraved with a spray of foliage at the breech end, and fitted with large brass bead front sight and single standing rear sight. Casehardened patent breeches each with pierced platinum plug. Side locks each signed “WILKINSON & SON.” and fitted with blued safety catch. Border and scroll engraved throughout, the trigger plate with large pineapple finial, blued pistol grip trigger guard engraved with a running stag on the trigger bow, and hinged patch box cover engraved with a well executed male lion. Barrels struck with London proof marks. Brass mounted ramrod. Well figured straight hand half stock with checkered grip, the wrist inset with a silver initial escutcheon engraved with a coronet and monogram. In brass bound mahogany case relined in green baize, the lid with printed James Wilkinson & Son trade label, with accessories including powder flask, bullet mold and pewter oil bottle.

Barrels retaining 90% dark rebrowned finish, signature clear but slightly flattened. Locks retaining faded slight traces of original casehardened finish in sheltered areas, engraving clear and crisp throughout. Trigger guard with 60% original blued finish. Engraved lion on patch box crisp. Stock refinished, clear checkering, scattered minor handling blemishes. Mechanically excellent. Case with some external age wear, key lock missing, slight damage to inside edges, reproduction trade label. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.