Featuring a tapering round browned Damascus barrel signed “COX & SON 7 BERNARD ST. SOUTHAMPTON” and with brass front sight post and engraved with a sunburst towards the breech. John Cox moved his business to 7 Bernard Street in Southampton in 1854. Following his death, the business was continued by his widow Mary Ann, and, in time, she was joined by their son. According to Nigel Brown in "British Gunmakers, Volume Two – Birmingham, Scotland & the Regions" on p. 199, the barrel signature of Cox & Son dates this gun to circa 1886-1890. Birmingham black powder proof marks and London nitro reproof marks for 1987. Border and scroll engraved action with carved percussion fence and rebounding back action lock signed “COX & SON”. Figured 14 1/4 inch straight hand stock with iron heel plate, the grip and forearm checkered. The forearm with large green horn cap, the butt with blank gold oval initial escutcheon on the underside. Weight 14 lbs. 1 oz. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Fine. The barrel retains 95% re-browned finish with clear engraved signature and decoration. Action and lock have a grey discolored patina with clear engraving. The water table and inner surface for the forearm iron each with faded original casehardened finish. Stock has been re-oiled and has some scattered age related storage and handling blemishes. The right edge of the forearm wood has an insert repair. Mechanically fine.