English R. Redman Double Barrel 10 Gauge Hammer Shotgun London Antique

Serial #1806, 10 Gauge, 30 inch barrels with very fine bright bores lightly frosted in the left tube and isolated spots of very light roughness in the right choked about improved in the left and full in the right barrel both with very good wall thickness.  This is a R. Redman marked, English side-by-side hammer shotgun marked London and Birmingham on the barrel rib with Birmingham black powder proofs on the barrels along with “NOT FOR BALL” and is a circa 1880's manufacture.  The high grade shotgun features elaborate engraving with game scenes on each lock plate with a dog on the right and game birds on the left and a dog flushing a woodcock or snipe on the trigger guard with foliate engraving covering about 80% of the balance.  In near excellent condition the barrels show most of a later added re-brown finish with some of the original pattern visible with a small ding on the right tube about 5 inches from the muzzle and other very light use marks.  The receiver has about 35-40% case-hardened colors remaining with the balance toning to a pewter gray.  The stock and forearm are solid with beautiful figured European walnut.  There is small chip missing along the left side of the forearm with the checkering slightly flattened and worn and the horn butt plate is in fine condition with some wear along the edges.  Mechanically the gun is sound, locking up tight with barrels on face the lever just slightly right of center and the hammers cocking and releasing crisply.  A beautiful example of a very well made English shotgun.  Antique.