^Lot 2395 SUPERB J.D. DOUGALL "PATENT LOCKFAST" DOUBLE

HAMMER SHOTGUN WITH CASE. Cal. 12 Ga. 2-1/2". S# 3466 (1876). James Dalziel Dougall invented this incredibly strong action in 1860 and used it in building pinfire guns. Later, both rifles and guns were made. It's use persisted until the early 1890's on hammerless guns. An eccentric hinge pin is rotated to withdraw the barrels from raised bosses on the breech face. There is also a single large underbite that slips under the standing breech when the lever is rotated back into closed position. This action was advertised as "No Charge Can Hurt the Gun" as late as the 1870's. This very fine high condition example has 30" three stripe damascus barrels engraved "J.D. Dougall Gun & Rifle Manufacturer to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales 59 St. James's St. London" on sunken game rib. Barrel flats are stamped with London black powder proofs. Bottoms of barrels have S#'s over "HIGHEST" (refering to quality). Case hardened action is fitted with front spring locks with high serpentine rebounding hammers with dolphin heads. Action and locks are engraved with about 70% coverage well cut small shaded scroll. A Prince of Wales plume is on top of action, maker's name is on each lockplate and bottom of action is engraved "J.D. DOUGALL'S" "PATENT LOCKFAST". Matching trigger guard is case hardened and S# is on tang. Beautifully marbled and nicely stump figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/8" over checkered wood butt with steel heel and toe plates. Point pattern checkering is at grip; delicate drop points are behind locks and a vacant gold oval is on toeline. Matching splinter forend has Anson type release. MEASUREMENTS: BBLS: Bore Diameter: L .722 flares to .734 and then goes to .731 at muzzle (.003 recess IC). R .722 flares to .732 and then to .730 at muzzle (.002 recess IC). As gun was made when choke had just been invented many variations of boring were being tried. Wall thickness: L .036 (.032 in recess). R .034 (.032 in recess). STOCK: DAH: 2-7/16". DAC: 1-9/16". CAST: about 1/2" off. LOP: 14-3/8". WEIGHT: 7 lb. 5 oz. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: gun is housed in a vintage oak and leather case with brass corners. Interior has lift out tray with cartridge magazine below. A small paper Dougall label is in lid for gun #3367. Case is lined in burgundy cloth. CONDITION: exceptionally fine. Barrels retaining 90-95% original damascus brown finish. Action and locks retain over 90% original case hardening color; silvered on beads and thinned a bit on bottom. Stocks retain nearly all of their original oil finish which is a bit dry and has a scattering of minor marks. Bores are bright and shiny without any noted problems. Action is very tight. Locks are crisp. Case leather is considerably darkened with stains and rubs. Straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is renewed. Label is foxed and slightly rubbed. Undoubtedly one of the best condition Dougall guns extant. PROVENANCE: From the Private Collection of Berrien Moore III. (01-28465/MGM). ANTIQUE. $2,000-4,000.