The makers' records confirm that this gun was completed for Gordon on the December 21, 1891. With browned damascus barrels each engraved with a band of stylized running foliage at the breech end. Concave rib with bead front sight, signed “JOHN DICKSON & SON. 63 PRINCES STREET. EDINBURGH”, and engraved with scrollwork at the breech end and on the doll’s head extension. Casehardened action with carved percussion fences and rebounding back action locks each signed “JOHN DICKSON & SON”. Furniture comprising trigger guard and blued buttplate. Finely engraved throughout with scrollwork framing vignettes of waterfowl and other game birds. The barrels with London black powder proof marks and nitro reproof marks, one flat marked “JD&S”. Well figured 14 1/2 inch straight hand stock with checkered grip and forearm, the latter with lever fastener. The underside of the butt with blank silver oval initial escutcheon. Weight 12 lbs. 15.5 oz. With original brass bound fitted oak case lined in dark green baize, the lid with green leather John Dickson & Son trade label with gilt lettering. With accessories including takedown cleaning rod in black leather slip, reloading tools, turnscrews, and a large white metal Hawksley cartridge extractor.

Barrels retaining 98% rebrowned finish, rib signature and engraving crisp. Action and back action rebounding locks retaining 20% strong original casehardened finish in sheltered areas, the remainder with traces of faded original casehardened finish, crisp engraving. Trigger guard mostly a dull dark grey patina, buttplate with scattered traces of original blued finish. Nicely figured stock with well defined checkering, numerous scattered handling and storage marks throughout. Case and accessories in good condition. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.