GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
FINE GOLDEN AGE BOSS ROUND BODY SELECTIVE SINGLE TRIGGER GAME GUN WITH EXTRA BARRELS AND CASE. BOSS SXS ROUND BODY 8163 12 GA MODERN Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. Two sets of 25" chopper lump bbls engraved with Boss'' Albemarle Street address on narrow top ribs. "Made in England" is on rib of one bbl set. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-3/4" chambers. One bbl set is stamped with 1972 London re-proofs. Case hardened classic Boss round bodied sidelock action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, gold line tumbler end cocking indicators, and unusual Boss sgl selective trigger with selector button on right lockplate ("L" and "R" are inlaid in gold). Action and locks are engraved in classic Boss house style as performed by Jack Sumner, with small scroll incorporating 17 rose bouquets. "Boss & Co" is on each lockplate, and trigger plate is engraved with single trigger patent number. Blued top lever and small bow beaded trigger guard are also scroll engraved. SN is at grip. Very finely marbled and nicely figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/8" over black leather covered pad, and incorporates round body style without fillets and drop points, which along with rounded lockplates, gives a very sleek profile. Classic checkering is at grip. A vacant gold oval is on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend with Anson release fits both bbl sets. Re-proofed bbls: Bore diameter: left - .732, right -.732. Bore restrictions: left -.011 (Lt mod), right -.002 (Skeet). Wall thickness: left -.027, right -.030. Drop at heel: 2-1/4", drop at comb: 1-1/2". Weight: 6 lbs. 5 oz. LOP: 14-3/8". "Made in England" marked bbls: Bore diameter: left - .729, right -.729. Bore restrictions: left -.010 (Lt. mod), right -.006 (IC). Wall thickness: left -.032, right -.030. Drop at heel: 2-1/4", drop at comb: 1-1/2". Weight: 6 lbs. 5 oz. LOP: 14-3/8". Makers oak and leather case with brass corners and round central medallion, is lined in scarlet cloth. There is a large cardboard Boss Albemarle Street label along with ejector instruction label, in lid. Case is nicely fitted for gun with extra bbls, and an array of Boss marked modern accessories including horn handled turnscrews, chamber brush, striker key, dusting brush, plated striker bottle, oil bottle, and vaseline jar. There are also a pair of high quality horn bodied and German silver snap caps. A pull through field cleaning kit is in black morocco pouch. An old 2-pc ebony and brass cleaning rod with short handle is in one bbl recess. PROVENANCE: Notebook with information regarding this shotgun from A&F records and notes on Mr. H. Root Stern, orig buyer, with photograph of ledger page and catalog information on Boss guns. Invoice from Bonham for purchase of this gun. Copy of Boss'' ledger page. Invoice for stock work performed. Consignors notes. Lifelong Collection of Gentleman Collector Herbert Hyatt. CONDITION: Excellent, as refurbished. Both sets of bbls retain nearly all of their fine London quality re-black. "Made in England" set has a couple of flecks of rust. Action retains approx 90% of a well done re-color, engraving very slightly softened. High quality new blue of top lever and trigger guard is slightly silvered on normal wear points. Stocks retain nearly all of a fine hand rubbed oil finish with a few light nicks and scratches, checkering nicely freshened. Bores are excellent. Action is tight with both sets of bbls, which are both on face. Ejectors are strong and in time. Trigger works. Case leather is somewhat darkened with a number of nicks and bumps. Orig handle is a bit tired. Relatively new straps are excellent. Interior cloth is very fine with some slight areas of soiling, rubs and compressions. Labels are somewhat foxed with some rubs and soiling. Ejector label has some chips. New accessories are excellent. Cleaning rod is fine. A fast handling classic Boss inspired by the following for 25" guns originated by Robert Churchill. 49896-20 MGM49 (15,000-25,000)