The makers have kindly confirmed that this hammer duck gun was completed on February 27, 1885 for Lt. Colonel H. Cornwall Leigh who is credited with being influential in establishing the Flat-Coat Retriever as a favored choice of pure-bred field and show dog in the late 1800s. The records describe the gun as a “single-barrelled hammer duck gun” with choked 42 inch barrel, double grip action, pistol grip stock with recoil pad and weighing 14 lbs. 7 oz. With browned Damascus round barrel signed “JAMES WOODWARD & SONS” on the sighting flat at the breech, and with two bolsters at the breech end. Casehardened border engraved action with carved percussion fence and back action rebounding lock signed “JAMES WOODWARD & SONS”. Figured walnut pistol grip stock with rubber recoil pad, checkered grip and forearm, and dark horn forearm cap. The barrel and action struck with London black powder proof marks.

Barrel retaining 70% original browned finish, tight Damascus pattern, breech end with faded/rubbed finish, signature clear. Action and lock with 20% faded original casehardened finish, border engraving and signature clear, some large patches of discoloration. Straight grained stock has been refinished, replacement rubber recoil pad, well defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.