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38th Classic Auction

AT-1220 Wien, Kagraner Platz 9  

Auction on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 from 10:00  | Auction ended

Completed | Physical auction
Lot: 805

s/s shotgun John Dickson & Son - Edinburgh cal. 12/65 serial #5152

Starting price 800 EUR
not sold

barrel length 71 cm (28"), stock length 36,5 cm (14,5"), overall length 113 cm (44"), choke 1/4 & 3/4 (IC & IM), weight 3,0 kg, made between 1898-1903, british proof, condition still 3
Barrel inscribed with "John Dickson & Son 63 Princess Street Edinburgh", slightly concave rib with brass front sight, extractor, fore-end with Anson push-rod, box lock, bolt with double underlugs and Purdey nose, action engraved with arabesques, trigger plate and trigger guard dark blued, automatic sliding tang safety, "SAFE" inlaid in gold, double trigger, sling swivel lugs removed, straight stock with cut butt plate and blank monogram plate. Barrels sleeved and stamped accordingly.
John Dickson, together with his son of the same name, opened a business called John Dickson & Son. Skilled as both manufacturer and dealer, the family business became probably the most prominent Scottish gun manufacturer. Even more clearly than its origins, however, Dickson is associated with the "round body" system. An approach, both technically and visually, that offers another elegant solution besides the usual sidelocks or box locks. The locks are mounted on the base plate (trigger plate) of the system. In German-speaking countries, this is often used and known as the "Blitz Schloss". Externally, the relocation of the components succeeds in giving the overall appearance of the rifle a particularly fine and, as the name suggests, round impression. The design itself is based on the patent of the Scottish gunsmith James MacNaughton. Although the invention itself is not directly attributable to Dickson, conversely he is considered the most successful implementer of his time. The company was known for taking on other Scottish gunsmiths when the opportunity arose, including well-known names such as Alexander Henry, Daniel Fraser and Alex Martin. In 1947 this was ultimately the case with James MacNaughton. Managed by members of the family until 1923, Dickson & Son still exists today.
The round body design still inspires today - whether visually implemented with sidelocks, as with Watson Bros, or modernly interpreted by Beretta with the 486 (Marc Newson).