Believed to have come from the legendary armoury of the Nizam of Hyderabad, this astonishing Scottish big bore ball gun is signed by Thomas Kennedy, a gunmaker from Kilmarnock. With substantial browned octagonal to round two-stage damascus barrel inlaid with two gold bands at the muzzle, a small crescent blade front sight, and signed in gold “Thos. Kennedy Kilmarnock RIFLE MAKER TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE ALBERT” and inlaid with three gold inlaid stars and a gold inlaid line. The underside of the barrel with Birmingham proof marks. Casehardened breech engraved with vignettes of a stag on the top flat and an eagle beneath the percussion pillar. The barrel fitted with an under-rib bearing two ramrod pipes housing the original brass mounted ramrod. Casehardened standing breech and side lock, the former profusely engraved with scrollwork, the latter with border and scroll engraving, a vignette involving two deer and signed “T. KENNEDY” in gold. Casehardened trigger plate with ornate finial, blued trigger guard and blued buttplate. The trigger guard and buttplate each engraved with further scrollwork, the buttplate engraved with the name of the original owner “Captn. Mullins”. The trigger guard bow engraved with deer. Large straight grain walnut half-length stock with checkered grip and horn forearm cap. In brass cornered fitted mahogany case lined in dark green baize with accessories, including brass William Davis “WD” marked “No.4” ball mold, wad cutter and iron “T” shaped combination tool. Weight 13 lbs. 12 oz. Provenance: The Midmar Castle Collection of Fine Arms and Armour, Lyon & Turnbull, Edinburgh, April 21, 2010, lot 47; Malcolm King Collection.

Very fine. The barrel retaining 75% fading original browned finish, some minor loss to gold inlaid signature, and light pitting. Breech retaining 20% faded original casehardened finish, the remainder a grey patina, engraving clear with some surface discoloration over the eagle. Standing breech and lock each with clear engraving and faded traces of original casehardened finish. Trigger guard and buttplate each retaining 90% older reblued finish, engraving softened. Stock with age related storage and handling marks, the heel of the butt with a setting crack, repaired setting crack in front of lock to edge of forearm, checkering well defined. Case generally in good condition with external storage and handling marks, interior in fine condition having recently been refitted and relined. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.