This highly unusual gun, manufactured circa 1885, features an action with no less than five bites, four being provided by double lumps with Purdey under bolts with the fifth being actuated by the toplever via a doll’s head extension. This giant Anson & Deeley patent action was probably manufactured by Westley Richards and incorporates their sliding toplever. This was an extremely labor intensive action to produce and very few were made. With browned damascus twist tapering round barrel with broad raised matted solid rib signed “T. BLAND & SONS. 106. STRAND. LONDON” within a panel, bead front sight and doll’s head extension. The firm of Bland & Sons is recorded at the 106 Strand address from 1875 until 1888. The action and barrel struck with Birmingham “Not For Ball” black powder and nitro reproof marks. Casehardened action with automatic safety and blued toplever and floor plate, the water table struck with a “B” within a diamond trademark, “T.B&S” and “ANSON & DEELEY’S PATENT 8960”. Figured 14 1/2 inch semi-pistol grip stock including wood recoil pad with black spacer and with checkered grip and forearm, the latter with green horn cap and lever fastener, blank silver oval initial escutcheon and a brass lined piercing to allow the gun to be strapped into a punt if not to be shoulder fired. Weight 18 lbs. 13 oz. In recent brass cornered oak lined fitted case lined in burgundy baize, the lid with gilt lettered Thomas Bland & Sons trade labels. With accessories including take down cleaning rod, chamber brush, large nickeled oiler named “THOMAS BLAND & SON” and brass T. Bland & Sons 4 bore snap cap.

Barrel retaining 90% thinning original browned finish, signature and rib matting crisp, some scattered small patches of corrosion marking. Action retaining 40% faded original casehardened finish, some discoloration and scattered small patches of corrosion marking throughout. Stock with minor handling marks. Case of recent manufacture and in very good condition. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.