December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
Circa 1874. Cal. 4 bore. 4" Chambers and 42" dovetailed stub Damascus barrels are engraved “E. M. Reilly & Co Oxford Street London & Rue Scribe. Paris.” on relatively narrow concave top rib. Bottoms of barrels are stamped with London black powder proofs for 6 bore and with serial number. Large nickel-plated Jones underlever action with non-rebounding peninsula back locks have round-bodied serpentine hammers and back sliding safeties. Locks have 4 positions: fired, 8th cock, half cock, and full cock. Safeties engage at 8th cock. Action and locks are completely unadorned except for maker's name on the tail of each lock "E.M. REILLY & CO.". Serial number "18,860" is on trigger guard tang. Lightly streaked and figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14 - 3/16" over nickel-plated buttplate, and has classic point pattern checkering with mullered borders at grip, and a vacant silver oval on toe line. Matching splinter forend has shaped steel tip, and is retained by a single barrel key that feeds through an escutcheon. It appears this gun was made before chokes were invented. Diameter at muzzle is .952. Drop at heel: 2", drop at comb: 1 - 3/4". Weight: 18 Lbs. 12 oz. CONDITION: Excellent, close to new. Barrels retain nearly all of their Damascus brown with only slight silvering at muzzles, and some overall flecking. All other major metal parts retain nearly all of their original heavy nickel plating, with only a few scattered knocks, a small bit of peeling at toe of buttplate, and some superficial scratching. Action and trigger guard screws retain most of their original case hardening color. Minor pins and safeties retain most of their original fire blue. Stocks have nearly all of their original hand-rubbed oil finish with scattered marks and scratches, checkering very lightly worn and dark; one minor chip has been masterfully replaced on right side of forearm. Mechanically excellent, but triggers and locks are somewhat sluggish due to congealed oil. Bores are excellent, with some light scratches. Action is tight. Waterfowlers such as this are seldom found in this condition, because they are usually heavily used in salty environments. A superb condition example like this is a great rarity.