The maker’s records confirm that this Best Quality shotgun was completed in 1866 for a Major J. Hills. With browned Damascus barrels with concave rib fitted with a bead front sight and signed “ALEXR. HENRY. EDINBURGH”. Patent breeches each with platinum lined plug and engraved with a spray of stylized foliage on the rib between. The underside of the barrels struck with London black powder proof marks. Border and scroll engraved standing breech and floating bar in wood locks, the latter each signed “A. HENRY”. Furniture including trigger plate with pineapple finial, trigger guard and buttplate each with further border and scroll engraving. Well figured walnut half stock with checkered grip and forearm, a blank silver shield shaped escutcheon inset into the wrist. Brass mounted ramrod with worm. In mahogany fitted case lined in dark green baize, the back edge numbered to the gun, the lid with large printed Alexander Henry trade label. With accessories including Hawksley powder flask and shot flask, pewter oiler, takedown cleaning rod and Joyce percussion cap tin. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Very good. Barrels retaining 99% rebrowned finish with clear rib signature. Standing breech, locks and furniture all with a grey patina and clear engraving, the locks with traces of original casehardened finish beneath the hammers. Stock with attractive figure, well-defined checkering and scattered minor age related storage and handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case in good condition with storage marks to the exterior, some age related wear marks and staining to the lining from the gun, and reproduction trade label.