Holt’s
Auctioneers of fine modern and antique guns are now the largest Sporting Auction House in Europe, specialising in sporting items and militaria.
John Dickson (1794–1880) was the son of a porter. He became apprenticed to Wallace and then Innes before setting up on his own in Princes St, Edinburgh.
Essentially he became the Purdey of Scotland. Dickson produced an Over and Under, basically a side by side tilted over with a side lever. We have seen some of these. He even produced three barrelled guns in-line and one over two in shape.
Many of these innovations occurred during the 1880s – notably the triggerplate action. We are all familiar with Sidelocks and Boxlocks. Dickson and MacNaugton perfected an action based on a wide plate supporting the triggers; this became known as the trigger plate action. Due to the general shape, the guns became known as round actions.
Lot 1441 is a very rare Skeletal example – note the underside to see that wide base plate.
Bearing in mind this gun was made in 1883 with Best Damascus Barrels, it has automatic safety, double triggers and double rolled edge trigger guard. Note the fences engraved “John Dickson Patent”.
Thirteen of these guns were made according to the records, intriguingly this must be the fourteenth.
1883 was just pre invention of ejectors in 1885. Does that matter as we all have to pick up our cartridges anyway.
So it is a non-ejector of amazing rarity and beauty in very good condition by a famous maker in its original case, one of 14. Holts thought £3–5,000 as a non-ejector. Even I left a bid slightly in excess of that because of its beauty. Sadly an American took it home with him for £16,900.
Sellers can contact me Simon Grantham on 07860 300055 or come for a free valuation.
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Calling all UK young artists!![]()
Doddington Young Sculptor Exhibition ![]()
Doddington Hall and Gardens, Lincolnshire invites submissions from UK-based sculptors and 3D artists, aged under 30, for an exciting new open exhibition to be held this summer. Doddington is looking for pieces to be exhibited in the historic working Kitchen Garden, which complement the Garden and its surroundings. ![]()
The Doddington Young Sculptor Exhibition will run alongside the main bi-annual Sculpture at Doddington exhibition and is an opportunity to exhibit alongside some of the finest contemporary sculptors selected from across the country and further afield. ![]()
Prizes: 1st prize – £750, 2nd prize – £250![]()
Submission deadline: Sunday April 21st 2024![]()
Further details about eligibility, terms and conditions can be found at: www.doddingtonhall.com/event/young-sculptor-exhibition/![]()
To apply, please email your submission as a PDF document to angus@doddingtonhall.com
