GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
EARLY BOSS OVER-UNDER HEAVY GAME/ PIGEON GUN WITH EXTRA BARRELS AND CASE. BOSS O/U 6054 12 GA MODERN (1912) Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. Both sets of 30" demi-bloc bbls are fitted with broad, flat, matted, solid ribs. One set is original to gun, and the other was made by Boss in 2011. The early bbls are marked with Dover Street address, and have early London nitro proofs for 1-1/4 oz of shot. The newer bbls are marked "70MM" and only "Boss & Co London". These bbls also have an inlaid gold star at breech ends. Both sets have rib extension, and are stamped with SNs on bottom bbls. O/U action incorporates all the features of the then new Boss "vertical gun" including single trigger. It is engraved with patent no. 3307.1909 on each side of action, referring to the action itself, with patent no. 3308.1909 referring to the ejector. Trigger plate is engraved with single trigger patent number. Action also features non-automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), rising bite third fastener, and gold band tumbler end cocking indicators. Action and lockplates are engraved with classic Boss house pattern rose and scroll, with "Boss & Co" in ribands on each lockplate. This fine engraving is as completed by noted London engraver, Jack Sumner, and orig handwritten engraving instructions for this gun are included. Blued top lever and small bow single beaded trigger guard are also scroll engraved. SN is at grip. Nicely marbled and figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/16" over black leather covered pad over 1/4" black spacer. Stock features standard drop points and checkering, and has a gold oval on toe line engraved "G. D. B. B." Matching ejector one piece forend has Anson release. Original BBLS: Bore diameter: top -.731, bottom - .734. Bore restrictions: top - .034 (full), bottom - .037 (full). Wall thickness: top - .022, bottom - .021. Drop at heel: 2-7/8", drop at comb: 1-3/4". Weight: 7 lbs. 6 oz. LOP: 14-3/16". Newer BBLS: Bore diameter: top -.726, bottom - .726. Bore restrictions: top - .006 (IC), bottom - .021 (Mod). Wall thickness: top - .038, bottom - .039. Drop at heel: 2-7/8", drop at comb: 1-3/4". Weight: 7 lbs. 12 oz. LOP: 14-3/16". High quality oak and leather case with brass corners and circular central brass medallion is lined in scarlet cloth. A large paper Boss Dover Street label and instruction label, are in lid. Case is nicely fitted for gun and both sets of bbls, as well as for old 2-pc brass and ebony cleaning rod with short handle, bone backed dusting brush, bone striker case with two sets of strikers, and Boss marked round oil bottle. New accessories include horn handled chamber brush, two horn handled Boss marked turnscrews, and four Boss marked snap caps. PROVENANCE: Boss Pattern averages for new bbls with cover letter. Copy of orig ledger page indicating gun was built for G. D. B Bonbright of Rochester, NY ordered in 1911. Previously mentioned note from Mr. Sumner to John Robertson of Boss regarding engraving, and stating that this gun originally had two sets of bbls. Invoice from Hodgins for work performed. Gun Report for Boss 6054 indicating that it needed work. Consignors notes. Lifelong Collection of Gentleman Collector Herbert Hyatt. CONDITION: Good. Older bbls retain nearly all of a nicely done re-blue with some marks and scratches, and thinning at muzzles. There is a fairly deep nick on right side of rib toward rear. Gold star bbls retain essentially all of their factory finish. Action retains traces of orig case hardening color where protected, but is mostly a pleasing pewter gray. Engraving is sharp and clear. Top lever and trigger guard retain approx 90% of an old re-blue. Top lever is silvered at thumbpiece, and trigger guard on bead, thinning at grip. Stocks retain most of an old oil refinish over a number of marks and dents, edges slightly rounded. Checkering is slightly worn and dirty. Bores are excellent. Orig bbls are quite loose, and off face, but most likely can be repaired with judicious micro-welding and refitting. These bbls are also missing their extractor retaining screws. New made bbls fit flawlessly, as would be expected from this fine maker. Ejectors are strong and in time. Trigger works. Relatively new case leather is excellent with some light marks and rubs. Straps and handle are very fine. Interior cloth is excellent. Old labels are considerably foxed, somewhat tattered, with a few rubs. Old accessories are fine. Other accessories are "as new". A lovely old Boss. 49896-2 MGM47 (50,000-80,000)