Manufactured in circa 1876 and incorporating E.C. Hodges patent of 1871 (Patent No. 251, use no. 545), and marketed as the Grant & Hodges patent, which bypassed the Purdey patent by using two lateral projections on the rear barrel lump with corresponding locking bolts and a third bite to the back of the rear lump. With browned damascus barrels each engraved with a narrow band of stylised running foliage at the breech end, and narrow concave rib numbered “2” and signed “STEPHEN GRANT. 67A ST. JAMES’S STREET. LONDON” and cylinder/cylinder chokes. The underside of the barrels and water table with original London black powder proof marks and Birmingham nitro reproof marks, the water table also engraved “GRANT & HODGES PATENT 545”. Action with carved percussion fences and signed on each side “STEPHEN GRANT’S PATENT”, the sidelever mounted to the right side of the action. Back action side locks each signed “STEPHEN GRANT”. Furniture comprising trigger guard and heel and tow plates. Best quality London border and scroll engraving throughout. Well figured straight hand stock with checkered grip, butt and forearm, the latter with Anson push button release. The underside of the butt with silver oval initial escutcheon engraved with a crest. In fitted leather case lined in red baize, the lid with Stephen Grant & Sons printed trade label. Stock and barrel measurements: (Right / Left): Reproved at 18.9mm / 18.9mm, measuring 18.9mm/18.9mm, 2 3/4 inch (70mm) chambers, minimum wall thickness 0.021 / 0.020. Drop at comb of 1 3/16 inches. Drop at heel of 2 1/8 inches. Length of pull of 13 3/4 inches. Weight 6 lbs. 9 oz.

Barrels retaining 98% rebrowned finish with some minor muzzle rub, front sight filed flat, signature probably refreshed at time of refinishing. Action, locks and furniture cleaned bright with a dull light grey patina, engraving clear. Left hand mainspring stiff. Stock with some minor handling and storage blemishes, has been refinished with checkering refreshed. Mechanically excellent. Case generally in good condition. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.