Alfred Lancaster was the son of Charles Lancaster who set himself up in competition to his father in 1859 and remained in business until his death in 1890. This rare hammer ejector shotgun uses Needham’s patent ejector mechanism (British Patent No. 1205 of April 7, 1874), an immensely important advance in the development of the modern sporting shotgun. With browned damascus twist barrels each engraved with a band of stylised running foliage at the breech ends. The concave rib of differing twist pattern with large bead front sight and engraved with the number “2” and with scrollwork on the doll’s head extension. Bright action with carved percussion fences, blued toplever engraved with the number “2”, the underside engraved “PATENT” and with blued bulbous protrusion housing the extended rear lump forming part of the ejector mechanism. Side locks each signed “A. LANCASTER. LONDON”. Furniture comprising blued trigger guard and bright heel and toe plates. Border and scroll engraved throughout. Barrels and action struck with London marks for black powder. Well figured straight hand stock with checkered grip and forearm, the underside of the butt with silver shield shaped escutcheon engraved with a crest and motto. In fitted leather case with some accessories including large oil bottle, the lid with printed Alfred Lancaster trade label.

Barrels expertly rebrowned, fine twist pattern, no maker’s signature. Action cleaned bright, engraving and signatures slightly flattened but generally clear. Toplever and under-action protrusion reblued. Stock refinished, good checkering, minor handling and storage blemishes, very small setting crack to tip of forearm to the right side of the button release. Case generally very good condition, relined, reproduction trade label. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.