Manufactured c. 1817-1825. William Smith was gunmaker to King George IV, Tsar Alexander I, and King Maximilian I. The serial number "2488" is stamped on each lock, barrel, breech hook, and the buttplate heel extension and is handwritten on the forend under the barrels. The locks also each have "PATENT/1932" and "PATENT/1933" respectively above "WILLIAM SMITH/PRINCES STRT LONDON" on the flat plates and above "SELF PRIMER" on the frizzens in reference to his British patent No. 3588 of July 28, 1812, and are also engraved with scrolls, masks, and foliate patterns. The elevated concave rib features a bead front sight and is signed "W Smith Princes Street London" in script. The patent breeches have double platinum bands at the front and rear and platinum liners. The wedge and wrist escutcheons are silver. The buttplate and trigger guard are blued steel with scroll and foliate engraving. The half-length stock has a checkered wrist. With associated oak case lined in green based with a William Smith trade label inside showing this patented lock design and a set of accessories, including a shot belt, powder flask, and other loading and maintenance equipment. An old piece of paper inside the case is signed "Revd F. Maude", possibly indicating ownership by Reverend Francis Henry Maude (1822-1886). Also includes the receipt from July 17, 1958, from Stephen Grant & Joesph Lang, Ltd." and a certificate from F. Theodore Dexter. Norman R. Blank's notes indicate he used this gun for snipe shooting in November 1958. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Fair with staining, distinct Damascus patterns on the barrels, bright platinum bands and liners, faded case colors, blue finish on the mounts, and oxidation. The stock is also fair and worn overall with scratches and dings, small flakes at the edges of the forend, and a substantial crack on the right side of the butt. Mechanically excellent. The restored case and the accessories are generally good with mild storage wear and some oxidation.