Cased Muzzle Loading 16 bore Shotgun by George & John Dean
Created on February 25th 2021
Rare Cased Shotgun by George & John Dean c’ 1846 – 1851
Complete in its original Mahogany hardwood cased fitted out in the Scottish manner with pigs hide, an original and superbly preserved 16 bore muzzle loading shotgun. Damascus steel figured side by side 28″ barrels in wonderful condition. The colour and pattern of the Damascus does not suggest refinishing – only light high edge wear. The breech end with platinum breech plugs shows no corrosion around the nipples and really stands out as a fine aspect of this well preserved antique shotgun. It is normal to find some corrosion around this area, as it is both inaccessible to clean and also the Achilles heel as far as condition is concerned, with one of these fine old guns. Secondly close inspection of the bores reveals Immaculate bores. There is absolutely No pitting and scoring – the bores are somehow perfect. A ring test by tapping the barrels produces no hint of any buzzing or looseness of rib or cleaning rod guides. These barrels appear to be as good almost as the day they were made. Single small round bead at muzzle end and secure rib carrying the following engraving; “GEORGE & JOHN DEAN. ( MAKERS TO H.R.H.PRINCE ALBERT.) No. 30 KING WILLIAM STREET. LONDON BRIDGE.” Finely engraved block at rear of rib. This whole barrel group being one of the most important aspects of the gun as a result of its outstandingly fine condition, raises this example to a particularly high status amongst surviving examples available currently available on the Collectors investment market today.
The underside of the barrels are clearly marked with early black powder London viewing and proof marks along with measurements for shooting of the gun which read as follows: ” 2.3/4 Dr.s POWDER. / 1.1/4 Oz SHOT” (There are Hawksley shot measures and powder measuring devices in the case to match these instructions – all of contemporary build to the set) The cleaning and loading rod which is stored in the loops under the barrel has brass ends and a cap that screws off to reveal a screw threaded end for other operations. There is still colour in the steel of the removable huts at the breech end of the barrels.
The stock and action. The timber is a selected fine piece of old English Walnut with strong figure. The wrist and fore-end have been finely checkered. There is a vacant brass escutcheon behind the tang between the hammers. Engraving on that tang shows a hunting dog chasing a bird. The quality and condition of the engraved scene and its surrounding decoration is superb. The timber to steel fit is immaculate over the whole of the gun. There are decorated steel inserts and escutcheons around all the normal features including the ram-rod mouth and cross pin. Floral swirls dominate the designs. The perfectly flush locks are border engraved with infilled patterns of the same.
The makers name is typically modest in its engraving on each lock, just; ” GEORGE & JOHN DEAN” just in front of the hammers. Most colour has been lost from the lock plates. Each lock also displays a hunting hound on the scent in the field. Although the colour has departed, with only a small area on one side remaining, the engraving itself is still strong, and with only three small circular patches of minor surface rusting. These locks would not be difficult to restore to their former glory if so required.
Each flat sided hammer with removable shield, is engraved both florally and with the gun serial number “483” within the words “DEANS / PATENT” These numbers correspond with the same on the long trigger guard tang on the underside of the wrist. The guns serial number is also lightly impressed into the timber of the fore-end between the actions. This indicates, without a doubt, that the whole gun is original to itself, nothing has been interchanged at any stage in its long history. The actions are strong with crisp double trigger release.
The bluing has remained strong on the trigger guard and tang, the butt-plate and upper tang, all of which are finely decorated with engraving. Both assembly and disassembly of the gun are simple – a further indication of the fine condition and build of this masterpiece of Victorian craftsmanship.
The case contains many genuine shotgun accessories of the time. Multiple shaped tools all individual to specific tasks involved in the use and upkeep of the gun. This may account for the lack of burred components on the gun as a whole. If the proper tools were always available then there will have been little point on making do and damaging the gun at any point. Care has been taken in the use and ownership of this fine old gun and it shows in its splendid condition.
Overall the gun measures 44.3/4″ assembled. The trigger pull on the double triggers is 15″ to the front trigger. 28″ barrels. The case with military corners and flush carrying handles measures 32.1/2″ x 10″ x 3.1/8″ and is fully leather fitted, incorporating compartments with lids and turned Ivory or Bone lifting knobs. Multiple accessories including Hawksley Shot measures, and wooden cap box with lid. An original period spring compressing clamp. Spare nipple in a turned screw-top pot. Some shot-shell bushing and a cutter for the same in its own small cardboard box – price $1.00 ! Shaped ebony screw turners and nipple removal tool. J.W.Hawksley of Sheffield, measuring powder flask. Cap tin and Hawksley pewter oil bottle. Wad punch – everything you would need to go out and shoot this gun. The original gun makers label of George & John Dean is pasted into the leather lined lid of the case. Case has been professionally restored to take up the shrinkage effect of central heating and time on the lid.
A rare piece to survive in this complete state. From the finest period of gun building in this country, preserved and ready to be appreciated and cared for. A chance to enjoy your investment and preserve some history. From a Private Collection.
£ 9950.00
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