This extremely rare 20 gauge John Dickson & Son shotgun is identified by serial number on page 282 of Donald Dallas' "John Dickson & Son: The Round Action Gunmaker" along with its gauge, hammerless ejector action, and 28 inch barrels when it was originally sold on August 1, 1917. Blued steel barrels with single steel bead sight on the smooth, concave solid rib which is marked "JOHN DICKSON & SON. 63. PRINCES STREET. EDINBURGH", 2 1/2 inch chambers, and both London and Birmingham proofs on the flats. The famous John Dickson & Son round body boxlock action displays the "JOHN DICKSON & SON/PATENT" marking on either side and beautifully executed floral scroll engraving surrounding four exceptional game scenes. The game scenes consist of a trio pheasants feeding in a field on the left, three snipe in a marsh on the right, a single pheasant bedding down in a field on the underside, and three grouse in a highland lake scene on the underside. A grouse scene of a pointer is also features on the trigger guard and a single grouse on the top lever. The engraving was undoubtedly carried out by the skilled hand of Harry Kell, a pioneer in game scene engraving with his more realistic and less abstract style. According to John Dickson & Sons, Kell is believed to have engraved a total of approximately thirty guns for their firm from 1916 to 1938, with an even smaller number being game scene engraved, and fewer still in 20 gauge. The gun features double triggers and tang mounted automatic safety switch with gold inlaid "SAFE". Beautifully figured, exhibition quality, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings including the Anson button release and straight grips stock blank inscription oval and checkered bare butt. Included is a leather bound takedown case with the initials "M. R. S." on the lid containing a John Dickson & Son trade label, two piece cleaning rod, and two nick snap caps. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter 9 inches from the breech both reproved at .615 inches and measured at .620/.617 inches; choke constriction .018/.022 inches; minimum wall thickness .025/.026 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 15 1/16 inch length of pull; weight 5 lbs 7 oz.

Very fine, retaining 99% professionally reapplied blue finish, traces of original case colors in the protected areas, and light handling evidence. The replacement wood is also very fine, showing a few light scratches and blemishes and sharp checkering. The case is good with moderate wear. Mechanically excellent.