**Finely Engraved Mortimer & Son Side by Side 12 Bore Shotgun with Anson & Deeley Boxlock

12 bore. 28" barrels. 14.5" length of pull. 1.5" drop to comb. 1.75" drop to heel. 2.5" chamber length. Cast off stock. Modified and improved modified chokes. SN: 7228. Blued metal finish to barrels with remnants of case hardened finish to frame. Two piece walnut stock has attractive striped figuring with multi-point checkering to straight English grip and splinter forearm. Stock also shows carved molding to forearm and carved tear drops to both sides of grip. Break action side by side boxlock shotgun with a smooth concaved rib and steel bead front sight. Item features double triggers, extractors, Anson & Deeley boxlock, and a grooved horn buttplate. Frame is finely engraved with English-style tight bouquet and foliate scroll as well as floral border work surrounding two-tiered banners that read MORTIMER/& SON to both sides. Top lever, fences, tangs, barrel throats, and triggerguard also show tight foliate scroll and border work engravings. Safety toggle is also engraved, with a gold inlaid SAFE Screws and hinge pins are all engraved with rosettes. Barrel rib shows tight foliate scroll and border work surrounding an engraved 1 and marks to barrel that read MORTIMER & SON. 86 GEORGE STREET EDINBURGH. Stock includes a copper escutcheon with the engraved initials F.I.P. to bottom edge.

According to John Dickson & Son's website, Mortimer & Son was a well known dynasty of London gunmakers active from about 1800 until 1938. Originally founded as H.W. & T. Mortimer in 1800 by the sons of victualler (landlord of an establishment licensed to sell alcohol) Samuel Mortimer, all three sons Harvey (b. 1753), Thomas (b. 1755), and Jackson (b. 1762) became accomplished gunmakers. From about 1800 to 1840, the Mortimers operated under various trade/firm names as each brother established their own businesses making high end flint and early percussion arms for wealthy clients.
Jackson Mortimer was appointed Gunmaker-Extraordinary to the Prince of Wales (later George IV) in 1817, and Thomas Jackson Mortimer (b. 1781) was appointed Gunsmith-in-Ordinary to George IV.

This item was manufactured at the Edinburgh firm which was opened by Thomas Elsworth Mortimer (b. 1807) around 1834 and operated at several locations before finally settling at 86 George Street. Mortimer & Son operated under this name at this location until they merged with John Dickson & Son in 1938.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.