The engraving on this impressive dangerous game rifle shows its intended quarry: lions. The rib between the breech plugs has a lion mask, and the patch box features a lion attacking a warthog/wild boar. The locks and furniture also feature scroll and border engraving. The locks are signed "C. MAYBURY & SONS," and the rib has a low blade front sight, flat folding three-leaf rear sight (100, 200, and 300 yard leaves), "BIRMINGHAM" ahead of the rear sight and "C. MAYBURY & SONS, 15 ST MARYS SQUARE" behind the rear sight. The bores have two groove rifling for use with belted balls. The bottom of the barrels have Birmingham proofs. The breech hooks have ". .4," and the left barrel near the lug has "4. ." The breeches have platinum plugs. The stock has a blank silver escutcheon on the top of the wrist, a checkered forend and wrist, no cheek rest, and a flat steel buttplate. Sling swivels are fitted on the mid ramrod pipe and buttstock, and a short replacement ramrod is included. Charles Maybury was active c. 1830s-1880s at 15 St. Mary's Row in Birmingham. Measurements: 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 1 5/8 inch drop at heel; 14 1/8 inch length of pull; cast-on; weight 11 lbs 9 oz. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Fine with a blend of fading refinished brown finish and dark brown patina on the barrels along with distinct twist patterns, bright niter blue colors in the protected areas of the locks around the hammers, traces of original blue on the furniture, mostly smooth gray patina on the balance, mild overall wear, and crisp engraving. The refinished stock is fine and has some scrapes in the forend checkering, mostly crisp checkering elsewhere, small repairs such as at the tail of the left lock, mild edge wear, nice figure, and light scratches. Mechanically fine.