This fascinating combination gun is illustrated in plate 192 on page 229 of "California Gunsmiths 1846-1900" by Shelton. The patent drawing for this design is featured on page 223, and biographical information and examples of the work of Charles Slotterbek (1831-1886) are featured on pages 220-234. The gun features two 12 gauge smoothbore barrels fired using traditional side locks over a rifled .41 caliber barrel fired using an underhammer lock built into the trigger plate. The upper rib has a rounded blade front sight, notch rear sight, and "C. SLOTTERBEK PATENT, SAN FRANCISKO [sic] PATENTED MAY 13TH 1868." A ramrod is fit between the left barrel and the rifled barrel. The casehardened locks and mounts have light scroll engraving. The walnut half-stock has checkering, bands of thicker wood between the locks and breech, and a 14 inch length of pull. Provenance: The Hugh E. Hayes Collection; Private Collection

Very fine, with 90% plus original browned finish, 75% original case colors, 50% of the original blue on the bottom hammer, gray and brown patina on the balance, mild oxidation on the buttplate, and fairly minor overall wear. The stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering, minor handling and storage marks, and glossy finish. Mechanically fine. Overall a very attractive and distinctive American drilling from the "Paris of the West."