John Frederick White is recorded as a gunmaker in Woodbridge, Suffolk, from circa 1883 until circa 1886. With blued barrels each engraved with a band of running stylized foliage at the breech end and with concave rib with doll’s head extension, bead front sight, signed “JOHN F. WHITE. MAKER WOODBRIDGE SUFFOLK” in gold and engraved with two sprays of scrollwork. London “Not For Ball” black powder proof marks and nitro reproof marks. Casehardened action with carved percussion fences and gold inlaid border lines, casehardened rebounding back action locks each signed “JOHN F. WHITE” in gold, and blued trigger guard with gold inlaid serial number. Border and scroll engraving throughout. Well-figured 15 1/4 inch straight hand stock including large black composite extension and orange rubber heel plate, the grip and forearm checkered. The butt with large blank gold oval initial escutcheon on the underside. Weight 13 lbs. 4 oz. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Very fine. This magnificent English wildfowling gun has been professionally restored to a very high standard. From the deep, dark blue on the barrels to the vibrant casehardening on the action and locks, the renewed finish remains in near unblemished condition. The engraving is crisp and clear throughout, and the gold inlaid signatures and border lines are crisp. The stock has a pleasing figure pattern and crisp, sharp checkering. There are some scattered storage and handling blemishes and marks to the stock. A wood insert is visible in the rear comb of the stock where the tang for the original (probably iron) heel plate was inlet. Mechanically excellent. A very striking big bore shotgun.