Manufactured c. 1830-1840 by Woodward & Co. of Doncaster. The browned "Damascus" barrel has eleven groove rifling, a dovetailed beaded blade front sight, 50 yard standing notch rear sight with platinum sight line and two folding leaves for 100 and 150 yards, "WOODWARD & CO." and "Patent Gun Makers DONCASTER" behind and ahead of the rear sight respectively, "129" on the bottom between Birmingham proof and view marks, and a casehardened patent breech inlaid with dual platinum bands and an engraved and pierced platinum plug. The same fallow buck's head motif is repeated on the breech, the upper tang, the trigger guard bow, and the trigger plate finial. Each of these also has scroll engraving. The casehardened, detented lock is signed "WOODWARD & CO" along the bottom,"129" inside, a sliding hammer safety, scrolls and a reposed fallow deer scene, and a sculpted mask on the hammer. The round patch box has a scene of two fallow bucks in a nice landscape, intertwining border engraving, scroll and floral accents, a burst pattern at the rear, and the serial number marked on the underside. The rifle is equipped with an adjustable single set trigger. The very attractive figured maple half-stock has a checkered forend and wrist, silver wedge and stock escutcheons, a nicely shaped raised cheek-piece, an engraved iron sling stud, and flat buttplate with scroll and floral engraving.

Fine with crisp engraving and markings, 20% original brown finish on the barrel mainly in the breech section along with some distinct twist patterns and mild pitting; vibrant original case colors on the left side of the breech plug, light original case colors on the upper tang and lock, traces of original blue finish in the protected areas, mostly gray patina on the balance, and mild overall wear. The professionally replaced stock is very good and has very attractive figure, smooth finish, a few minor dings and scratches in the otherwise crisp checkering, and minor overall wear. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.