March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2018
Manufactured 1888; second year production. Factory letter states Serial No. 16724 was shipped on July 17th, 1888 as a 12 gauge shogun with 32" barrel. One would generally assume this would be full choke; the barrel currently measures 30 - 1/16" and measures out as improved modified with reblued barrels. There is a repair and return order dated November 4th, 1902, but there is no detail as to work performed; was the barrel shortened and reblued on November 4th? This cannot be determined. The case colors are original, which would indicate the gun was in fine condition when sent for repair. Rarely do you see these lever action shotguns with any amount of finish; the blue has usually turned brown and the case colors are nearly always turned nickel. This example is superb. The barrel and tube retain approximately 90% reapplied blue, just starting to let some patina show through. Walnut stock with round knob is excellent to near mint with beautiful finish. The blued steel shotgun buttplate retains 80% original blue. Frame shows almost 90% color and pattern, albeit not bright, but nearly complete coverage on sides. Action is like new. Fine, shiny bore. One of the nicer examples of this model condition-wise that you will find.