May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/9/2024
Circa 1859, and built to match a previous gun, per Donald Dallas's "Boss & Co. Best Gunmakers", 2nd Edition. 30" dovetail lump Damascus barrels with bead front sight on a smooth, concave, rib, engraved with "BOSS & Co 73 St. JAMES'S STREET, LONDON", dressed in stiff leaf engraving at the breeches; given the probably manufacturing date of this shotgun during the pinfire period, the engraving may have been done to cover up the welding of the pinholes. Barrel flats with British view and proof marks for a 12 gauge, and is fit with an extractor. Splinter tip forearm with raised horn reinforcement checkered in point pattern, and retained by barrel key through an escutcheon. Exterior iron engraved with Acanthus scroll. Action flats with viewmarks, "H. Walker's Patent" encompassing "1664", and "Joseph Brazier / Ashes". Sidelock actions with Acanthus engraving accented by strapwork, with nicely filed fences. Fishform hammers engraved en suite. Double triggers protected by a flat bottom trigger guard with long strap further engraved with acanthus scroll. English straight grip stock checkered about the wrist in point pattern checkering, and fit with a vacant silver oval at toe line and a checkered butt with two-piece top and bottom plates engraved ensuite. PROVENANCE: Ex. Bill Wise. CONDITION: Barrels with most of a reapplied browning that has softened Damascus pattern somewhat, possibly replaced as no pin hole welding can be observed at breeches, as would be required of a conversion from pinfire to centerfire. Forearm very good with some minor handling marks and added finish. Action has been cleaned bright, softening engraving, and allowed to retone to a more matted coloring. Stocks are very good with some handling marks and indentations with added finish. Mechanically fine, bores with some mild frosting and some a few minor scattered pits. An interesting gun.
Drop at Heel
Approx. 3 - 1/4"
Length of Pull
14 - 3/8" Neutral cast