According to the makers records, this rare small gauge shotgun was completed in 1912. The 28 inch smoothbore shot and ball barrels have 2 ¾ inch chambers and are proofed for a 510 grain bullet whilst the extra 28 inch shotgun barrels have 3 inch chambers. Both sets of barrels are blued and with matted rib with bead front sight, each tube is engraved with a band of stylized foliage at the breech end, both are import marked on the under rib below the forearm, and respectively signed “WATSON BROS. GUN MAKERS” and “13, PALL MALL. LONDON”. The shotgun barrels do not have a visible serial number but have a factory bench number “TH18911” on the under-rib behind the barrel loop. Bright treble grip action signed “WATSON BROS.” on each side, and with blued top lever, automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”, blued cover plate engraved “PATENT EJECTOR” and blued trigger guard. Engraved with fine deep cut scrollwork throughout. Very well figured straight hand stock with checkered ebonite butt-plate, checkered grip and forearm, the latter with Anson push button release, and the underside of the butt with blank gold oval initial escutcheon. London nitro reproof marks to the shot and ball barrels, Birmingham nitro reproof marks to the shot only barrels. In fitted brass cornered canvas and leather case lined in red baize with a cleaning rod and a glass oiler, the lid with printed Watson Bros. trade label. The exterior is named to “JAMES MILNES”. Barrel measurements for the extra (shotgun only) barrels (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both reproved at .615 and measured at .619/.620 inches; choke constriction .029/.028 inches; minimum wall thickness .028/.028 inches. Barrel measurements for the primary (shot & ball) set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both reproved at .626 and measured at .630/.630 inches; choke constriction .007/.004 inches; minimum wall thickness .030/.034 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 14 5/16 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 4 oz. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Very good. The barrels retain near 100% reblued finish with slightly softened barrel signatures. Action with crisp engraving against a matted background, the top lever, cover plate and trigger guard each with near 100% reblued finish. Very attractive figured pattern to the stock, the checkering is well defined and minor age related storage and handling blemishes and bruising throughout. Mechanically excellent. The second set of barrels are in very good condition. The case is in very good partially renovated condition with some of the leather edges replaced along with the straps and handle. The interior has been relined, some wear and staining to the trade label.