The maker's records confirm that this gun was ordered by Charles Gordon on December 25, 1888. See pages 48-49 "Charles Gordon: Magnificent Madness" by Donald Dallas where this gun is described and illustrated and page 54 for confirmation that of the three breech-loading 4 bore shotguns purchased from Dickson & Son by Gordon, this was the only double barrel. It has a bead front sight and "JOHN DICKSON & SON. 63 PRINCES STREET. EDINBURGH." on the flat rib on the blued barrels, casehardened rebounding back action locks signed "JOHN DICKSON & SON," classic British engraving throughout mainly consisting of scrolls, a finely figured pistol grip stock and forearm with checkering and comes in a hardwood takedown case with leather outer cover marked "CHARLES GORDON ESQR." The case has a Dickson trade label inside the lid and contains a matching suite of accessories. Weight: 22 lbs. 4.2 oz. Length of pull: 14 1/2 inches. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Very good retaining 98% of the reblued finish with the rib signature softened, breech end engraving worn, small patch rubbed bright on the underside of the left barrel. The action and locks retain 20% original casehardened finish concentrated in the sheltered areas, and the balance has dark gray patina. The engraving is distinct. The stock is very fine and has well-defined checkering and numerous scattered handling marks. The forend has different checkering and is not numbered and has a scrape in the otherwise crisp checkering on the bottom and some loss at the edge. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with mild age and storage related wear, and the accessories are generally very fine with minimal wear. This is an incredible larger bore double gun and the only 4 bore double gun ordered from Dickson & Son by Charles Gordon.