This rare shotgun was manufactured circa 1885 and features the compact action, short forearm, and reduced section butt which are characteristic features of Turner’s lightweight shotguns. The browned Damascus barrels are each engraved with a band of stylised foliage at the breech end. The concave rib has a bead sight, “THOMAS TURNER. 19. BROOK STREET. BOND STREET. LONDON” signed at the rear, and a spray of foliage engraved at the doll’s head extension. The casehardened action has a blued toplever, and the casehardened rebounding back action locks are each signed “THOMAS TURNER.” It has a blued trigger guard. Fine classic English border and scroll engraving is throughout. The well-figured walnut straight hand stock has a checkered grip and forearm, checkered butt with heel and toe plates, casehardened forearm iron serial numbered to the gun, and a dark horn forearm tip. The base of the comb has a silver oval initial escutcheon engraved with a crest with the motto "FAC JUSTA" (Act Justly). Birmingham black powder proof marks and London nitro reproof marks with date stamp for 1995. In brass cornered leather fitted case lined in dark green baize. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): chambers proved at 65 mm (2 1/2 inches); bore diameter 9 inches from the breech both proved at 18.4 mm (.724 inches) and measured .727/.729 inches; choke constriction .002/.005 inches; minimum wall thickness .026/.029 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 5 lbs 13 oz. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Very good. The barrels retain 97% rebrowned finish with some rubbing to finish at the muzzles and a clear rib signature. The action and locks retain 20% original casehardened finish mainly in the protected areas and have silver-gray patina on the balance and crisp engraving throughout. The trigger guard has 30% original blue finish, and the toplever has 60% original blued finish. The stock is also very good and has pleasing figure patterns, well-defined shallow checkering with some softening from handling, and scattered storage and handling marks and blemishes throughout. Mechanically excellent. The case is good with age related darkening to outer surfaces, replacement straps and handle, and age related rubbing and staining on the lining.