Manufactured in circa 1905, this fine classic sidelock hammergun features blued barrels respectively signed “THE MATCHLESS GUN” and “C. HUNT & CO. LTD. BIRMINGHAM & LONDON”, import mark beneath the forearm on the under rib, each engraved with pyramids of stylised foliage at the breech end, and finely matted concave rib with bead front sight. The underside of each barrel marked “SIEMEN’S MARTIN’S STEEL. BEST QUALITY”. Casehardened side-clipped treble grip action with cross pin and blued toplever. Rebounding sidelocks respectively signed “C. HUNT & CO. LTD.” and “BIRMINGHAM & LONDON” around the base of each hammer. The whole finely and profusely decorated with bouquet and scroll engraving. Well figured walnut straight hand stock with grooved dark horn heel plate, panels of multipoint checkering to the grip and forearm, the latter with Anson push button release. The underside of the butt with silver shield shaped initial escutcheon engraved with a monogram and fitted with a sling mount. Birmingham nitro proof marks. Stock and barrel measurements: bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at 12 (.729 inches) and measured at .738/.735 inches; choke constrictions .045/.045 inches; minimum wall thickness .029/.029 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel; 14 1/2 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs 3 oz. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Very fine. The barrels retaining near 100% reblued finish with slightly softened barrel signatures and clear engraved decoration to the breech ends. Action retaining 95% original strong casehardened finish with crisp engraving. Trigger guard retains 25% original blued finish, mostly to the inner surface. Stock is very good with scattered age related storage and handling marks and blemishes. Mechanically excellent.