Steve;
I have coming today (it is on the Fed Ex truck as I write this) Alfred Lancaster 12 bore hammergun no 1 of a pair from 1873 30 inch damascus barrels (English made) formerly the property of William Douglas the Duke of Hamilton. Still has the Duke of Hamilton family crest in gold in the butt stock. Snap underlever made on the Emme and Woodward action design. I am satisfied that the action was built by Emme for Alfred Lancaster.
As you inferred both Charles Lancaster, jr and his brother Alfred Lancaster were the London gunmaking favorites of the British nobility during the 1870's. As a matter of fact the Duke of Hamilton gave to the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) a pair of Alfred 20 hammerguns built for the Duke a year or so after he had the 12 bores built of which one of I will soon be viewing. The 20 bore Alfred Lancaster hammerguns remain in the Royal gun collection at Sandringham.
Stephen Howell
