Correspondence between a one time owner and the firm of William Ford Ltd. confirm that this gun was made in the mid-1880s, regrettably before the beginning of the extant Ford records but backed by the presence of “Not For Ball” proof marks which went out of use in 1887. The correspondence hypothesizes that this gun was made the youngest child of a wealthy Welsh landowner by the name of Llewellyn. Beyond its highly unusual scale, this shotgun also incorporates a novel opening mechanism where the trigger guard slides back to open the gun. With etched twist damascus barrels each engraved with a band of stylized running foliage at the breech end and respectively signed “WILLIAM FORD. 23, LOVEDAY ST.” and “ST. MARY’S, BIRMINGHAM”. Sunken concave rib with bead front sight and short rib extension. Casehardened treble bite action, back action side locks and blued trigger guard each profusely engraved with tight scrollwork, the action signed “WILL.M FORD” on the upper tang and the locks each signed “WILLIAM FORD” within a ribbon behind the sculpted hare’s ear hammer. The underside of the barrel and water table with Birmingham “Not For Ball” black powder proof marks. Well figured 14 1/4 inch straight hand stock with dark horn butt plate, finely checkered grip and forearm, the latter with dark horn tip. The underside of the butt with gold oval escutcheon engraved with a crest and the motto “CEDE DIO”. In its original brass cornered oak and leather case lined in burgundy baize, the lid with large printed William Ford trade label. With original case key and a brass loading tool. The exterior of the lid initialed “H.M.LL”. Weight 3 lbs. 1 oz.

In very fine condition. The barrels are a dark grey patina but retain their etched finish with clear signatures. The action and locks retain traces of original faded casehardened finish in the sheltered areas and have crisp engraving. The trigger guard retains 60% original blued finish with clear engraving. The stock has scattered minor age related storage and handling marks with well-defined checkering to the grip and forearm. The butt plate and horn forearm tip have a deep gloss polished finish as well as horn wedge inset behind the lower tang. Mechanically excellent. The case in equally fine condition with minor age related storage and handling blemishes, the lining is in excellent condition as is the trade label. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.