John Pray (J.P.) Lower was a gunsmith from Denver, Colorado and one of the states most prominent gun dealers. Lower bought out the famous shop of the Freund Brothers in 1875 and continued dealing in firearms and all manner of sporting goods until his death in 1917. This gun was built on what is likely a German built action completed by Lower and is as American as apple pie with its 10 gauge and 45-70 Government chamberings capable of taking anything one could encounter on the American frontier. Built with browned barrels featuring a fixed beaded blade front sight, dual folding rear sight, as well as a fixed rear notch on the matted flat solid rib which is marked "J. P. LOWER & SONS DENVER COL. DAMASCUS BARRELS", a front sling swivel, choke constrictions of .005/.025 inches, and 2 7/8 inch chambers with a single extractor. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened push-forward underlever action which shows light scroll engraving with "J. P. LOWER & SONS" signed on either lockplate and features double triggers (front is single set) and a tang mounted selector lever. The gun is mounted with nicely figured and multi-point checkered semi-Schnabel forend with wedge fastener as well as a round knob pistol grip stock with rear sling swivel and a slip on leather recoil pad (not removed for fear of causing damage). Length of pull 14 7/16 inches. Weight 9 lbs. 9 oz.

Very fine, retaining nearly all of the original brown finish with strong Damascus patterns, traces of original case colors in the protected areas with the balance a fine grey, and light handling evidence. The wood is very good with light handling marks and worn but well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. A rare chance to own a western-used drilling!