The makers have kindly confirmed that this rare double large bore percussion rifle was completed on July 1, 1875 for a John D. Lloyd weighing a not inconsiderable 15lbs. 8oz. With browned fine Damascus barrels respectively signed “JAMES WOODWARD & SONS” and “64 ST. JAMES’S STREET LONDON” towards the breech ends. Flat finely matted rib with bead front sight and blued rear sight of two folding leaves each with platinum inlaid center line. Casehardened patent breeches engraved with a spray of fine scrollwork on the rib section and each with pierced platinum plug. Casehardened scroll engraved standing breech with platinum inlaid sighting line. Casehardened side locks each with “dolphin” hammer, safety catch and signed “J. WOODWARD & SONS”. Iron furniture including checkered butt plate and engraved blued trigger guard. Well figured walnut pistol grip half stock with raised cheekpiece, checkered grip and forearm, wood grip cap, and the underside of the butt with blank gold oval initial escutcheon. Brass mounted ebony ramrod.

Barrels retaining 90% fading older rebrowned finish, signatures flattened. Breeches with traces of original casehardened finish. Standing breech and locks retaining 70% original casehardened finish. Trigger guard with traces of original blued finish to exterior, inside with much blued finish – 30% overall. Stock refinished, well figured, nose of the comb with insert repair, the grip cap is a replacement with repair, well defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.