Made in circa 1878. With round browned damascus barrel with bead sight and octagonal breech section, the latter signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 98. NEW BOND ST. LONDON” and engraved with a band of stylised foliage at the breech end. Casehardened rounded action with faceted standing breech, carved percussion fence, and casehardened underlever. Rebounding casehardened back action lock signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” and casehardened trigger guard. Border engraving throughout. Figured 13 1/2 inch walnut straight hand stock including orange rubber recoil pad, with checkered grip and forearm, the latter with dark horn tip and the underside of the butt with blank silver oval initial escutcheon. London “Not For Ball” black powder proof marks and London nitro reproof marks. Weight 9 lbs. 7 oz. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Barrel retaining 60% fading original browned finish, with clear signature and attractive damascus pattern. Action and lock retaining 25% original faded casehardened finish with strong finish to the water table. Reoiled stock in good condition with well-defined checkering, numerous age related storage and handling marks throughout, forearm wood with repaired crack to left side. Rubber recoil pad hardening with age. Mechanically excellent. A nice example of an early breech loading big bore duck gun sold by an iconic firm.