Rare Cased Shotgun by George & John Dean c’ 1846 – 1851

George & John Dean – 16 Bore Muzzle-Loading Shotgun

Makers to H.R.H. Prince Albert
An exceptional, cased example in original condition

A truly superb and beautifully preserved 16 bore muzzle-loading shotgun, complete in its original mahogany presentation case, traditionally fitted in the Scottish style and lined with pigskin hide. This outstanding example represents an unprecedented opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of British gunmaking history, by the royal-appointed makers George & John Dean of London Bridge.

Barrels & Action

The 28-inch figured Damascus steel barrels are simply magnificent — rich in colour and pattern, showing no evidence of refinishing and only light, honest edge wear. The breech ends feature platinum breech plugs entirely free from corrosion, a rarity on arms of this age and a clear sign of the care it has received.

Close inspection reveals immaculate bores — no pitting, no scoring, no flaws whatsoever. A ring test produces a clear, resonant tone, confirming no looseness of ribs or rod guides. The barrels remain as sound and true as the day they were made, with a single small round bead sight at the muzzle and a secure rib engraved in full:

“GEORGE & JOHN DEAN. (MAKERS TO H.R.H. PRINCE ALBERT.) No. 30 KING WILLIAM STREET. LONDON BRIDGE.”

A finely engraved block decorates the rear of the rib, completing what can only be described as a masterclass in 19th-century gunmaking.

Proofs & Underside Markings

The underside of the barrels is crisply stamped with early London black-powder viewing and proof marks, together with the original shooting instructions:

“2.3/4 Dr.s POWDER / 1.1/4 Oz SHOT”

Matching Hawksley shot and powder measures are housed within the case — contemporary to the set and made to these precise specifications.

The cleaning and loading rod, stored in the original under-barrel loops, is fitted with brass terminations and a screw-off cap that reveals a threaded extension for auxiliary tools. Subtle traces of colour remain visible in the removable huts at the breech, a pleasing survival of original finish that highlights the gun’s exceptional preservation.

Stock & Action

The stock is crafted from a superbly selected piece of old English walnut, beautifully figured and rich in tone — the kind of timber reserved only for the finest bespoke arms of the period. Both the wrist and fore-end are expertly hand-checkered, offering secure handling and aesthetic refinement.

A vacant brass escutcheon sits behind the tang between the hammers, ready for a crest or monogram. The tang engraving depicts a hunting dog in pursuit of a bird, surrounded by intricate scrollwork — a testament to the engraver’s artistry.

The fit between timber and steel is impeccable throughout — tight, precise, and true. Decorated steel escutcheons accentuate key features, including the ramrod mouth and cross pin, each embellished with elegant floral swirls. The flush-fitting locks are border-engraved with matching foliate detail, uniting the entire design in perfect harmony.

Lockplates & Engraving

Each lock bears the maker’s name “GEORGE & JOHN DEAN”, engraved with typical Victorian modesty just ahead of the hammers. Both locks are adorned with finely rendered sporting scenes depicting a hunting hound on the scent in the field.

Although most of the original case-colour hardening has naturally faded, the engraving remains crisp and deeply cut, with only minimal, isolated patches of light surface oxidation. The locks are mechanically excellent and could be sympathetically re-coloured if desired, though their current condition stands as an authentic reflection of honest age and care.

Hammers, Serial Numbers & Action

The flat-sided hammers, each with removable shields, are engraved both with floral scrolls and the gun’s serial number “483”, incorporated within the words “DEANS / PATENT.” These numbers are repeated on the long trigger-guard tang and lightly impressed into the fore-end timber between the actions — proof positive that this firearm remains completely original to itself, with no replaced components in its long lifetime.

Mechanically, the actions are strong and precise, operating with crisp double-trigger release and excellent lock-up — a reflection of the impeccable quality and engineering standards for which George & John Dean were renowned.

Finish, Fit & Handling

The bluing remains strong on the trigger guard, tang, and butt-plate, each finely engraved and beautifully preserved. Both assembly and disassembly are smooth and uncomplicated, confirming the precision fit and sound mechanical integrity of a gun built to the highest standards of Victorian craftsmanship.

Case & Accessories

The original mahogany case, with military-style corners and flush carrying handles, measures 32½” x 10″ x 3⅛” and is fully leather fitted with individual lidded compartments featuring turned ivory or bone lifting knobs. It houses a remarkable suite of original period accessories, all contemporary to the firearm:

Hawksley shot measures and powder flask
Wooden cap box with fitted lid
Spring-compressing clamp
Spare nipple in a turned screw-top pot
Shot-shell bushing and cutter (original small box marked “$1.00”)
Ebony screw-turners and nipple removal tool
Hawksley pewter oil bottle
Wad punch

Essentially, everything needed to load, maintain, and shoot the gun remains present and correct. The original maker’s label — “George & John Dean, Makers to H.R.H. Prince Albert, 30 King William Street, London Bridge” — is still pasted inside the lid, beautifully intact.

The case has undergone a professional conservation restoration, sensitively adjusted to correct minor lid shrinkage due to age and environment, ensuring stability while retaining full originality.

Condition & Significance

A rare and complete survivor, this shotgun stands as one of the finest extant examples of mid-19th century British gunmaking. Its complete accessory set, untouched originality, and superb condition elevate it well above the majority of comparable period arms on the collectors’ market today.

Every component — from the Damascus barrels to the Hawksley accessories — aligns perfectly, confirming this as a factory-original set, preserved through careful use and stewardship rather than restoration.

Dimensions

Overall length: 44¾”
Barrel length: 28″
Trigger pull: 15″ (to front trigger)
Case dimensions: 32½” x 10″ x 3⅛”

Summary

A rare and remarkable survivor, this George & John Dean 16-bore muzzle-loading shotgun represents the pinnacle of British gunmaking during its golden age. Complete in every respect — with its original fitted case, full complement of tools and accessories, and exquisite condition — it offers both historical value and enduring aesthetic appeal.

A genuine opportunity to own, enjoy, and preserve one of the finest examples of its kind.

From a Private Collection.

£ 9950.00

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