H. CLARKE & SONS 12-BORE 'ANSON & DEELEY 1875 PATENT' SINGLE-BITE SNAP-ACTION BOXLOCK NON-EJECTOR, serial no. 9683, circa 1880, 30 1/8in. nitro reproved (in 1983) damascus barrels, the rib engraved 'H. CLARKE & SONS. MIDLAND GUN WORKS. LEICESTER.', and with acanthus scroll detailing at the breech-end, 2 1/2in. chambers, bored approx. imp. cyl. and 3/4 choke, Anson & Deeley patent single-bit barrel-cocking hammerless action, patent no. 1756 of 11th May 1875, use number 1147, the action flats signed 'JOSEPH BRAZIER ASHES.', Westley richards patent toplever, automatic safety with gold-inlaid 'SAFE' detail, carved leaf fences, fine beaded border and acanthus scroll engraving, retaining very slight traces of colour-hardening and renewed finish, 13 1/4in. figured stock, weight 6lb. 4oz
LOT 6958 in Holt's current sealed bid sale. An early A&D without bottom bolts into the lumps.