Even by the standards of double 4 bore duck guns, this rare hammer gun is noticeably heavy weighing in at a mighty 21 lbs. 4 3/4 oz. Built circa 1870 by the company which Philip Hast had established on the High Street in Colchester, Essex in 1805. With browned damascus twist barrels with 4 inch chambers and signed “P. HAST, HIGH ST., COLCHESTER” on the broad matted flat sighting rib. Casehardened border engraved action with carved fences, and back action locks with “hare’s ear” hammers. Figured walnut pistol grip stock with checkered grip and forearm, the latter with unusual protrusion forming a hand rest and very large cross pin. Provenance: Thomas R. Prudente Collection, Christie’s, London, December 17, 2015, lot 131.

Barrels retaining nearly all of the rebrowned finish, nice twist pattern, signature clear. The slightly off-face action and locks with traces of original casehardened finish in sheltered areas. Non rebounding locks. Stock refinished, some old handling and storage marks, well defined checkering. Very unusual forearm arrangement with the pin being slightly loose. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.