The maker's records confirm that this gun was completed on March 10, 1886 for Charles Gordon, the obsessive collector who purchased a staggering 229 guns from Dicksons and in so doing became their most valued client of the late Victorian period. With browned Damascus barrels each engraved with a band of stylized foliage at the breech end and with concave rib with bead sight, signed “JOHN DICKSON & SON. 63 PRINCE’S STREET. EDINBURGH”, engraved with a spray of scrollwork at the breech end, and with doll’s head extension. Casehardened border and scroll engraved action with carved percussion fences and rebounding back action locks each signed “JOHN DICKSON & SON”. Well-figured straight hand walnut stock with checkered grip and forearm, and rubber recoil pad. The barrels and action with black powder reproof marks. 3 inch chambers. In brass cornered fitted oak case lined in green baize, the lid with large printed John Dickson & Son trade label, and a full compliment of accessories including cartridge reloading tool, oil bottle, turnscrews, firing pin wrench, cleaning rod and powder and shot measures. With leather outer named to “Charles Gordon Esq.” Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Barrels retaining 95% original browned finish, thinning in places, rib signature crisp. Has been reproved for black powder. Action and locks each retaining 15% original casehardened finish in sheltered areas, the remainder a dull mid-grey patina, engraving clear throughout. Stock in good condition with well-defined checkering, refinished. The forearm wood has been expertly replaced, forearm iron has no serial number. Case and accessories in good condition. Mechanically excellent.