Boss & Co. are among the finest builders of fine arms in the world and have been since the company was established by Thomas Boss in 1812. This gun is a prime example of the level of quality produced by Boss & Co. and would be a great addition to any collection of fine sporting arms. The gun was built with blued steel barrels featuring dual brass bead sights on the flat matted solid rib, light engraving around the breech, and "BOSS & Co. 41, ALBEMARLE STREET, PICCADILLY, LONDON. W." as well as "MADE IN ENGLAND" marked on the right and left of the upper barrel respectively. The barrels show correct period London nitro proof marks on the flats and upper tube indicating the 3 inch chambers which feature automatic ejectors and choke constrictions measuring .013/.013 inches. The barrels are also engraved "OUR FIRST 410 OVER & UNDER" on the lower tube under the forend, making this a truly special piece. The barrels are fitted to a highly attractive diminutive casehardened sidelock action which displays highly attractive classic bouquet and scroll engraving surrounding "BOSS & Co." signatures on either lockplate, patent marking on either side of the action, gold centerlined cocking indicators, and mixed nitre blue and bright action pins and bolts. The gun features a single trigger, bushed firing pins, and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid "SAFE" indicator. The gun is fitted with a highly figured and multi-point checkered forend with engraved fittings, including the Anson button release and Boss patent extended shoe as well as a round knob pistol grip stock with tear drop carved flats, a checkered bare butt, and a gold inscription oval engraved "HAPPY DAYS/TO ONE/WHO/MAKES THEM SO/FOR OTHERS". The included letter from Boss & Co. confirms the .410 bore 3 inch chambering, 26 inch barrels, single trigger, and dual bead sights (chokes and stock dimensions modified by a later owner) when the gun was ordered by a Mr. Eugene Kelly for Mr. R. W. Woodruff of Wilmington, Delaware, on July 19, 1938. The letter also confirms the inscription on the lower barrel reading "OUR FIRST 410 OVER & UNDER". The man the gun was made for, Robert Winship Woodruff, was the long time Chairman of the Board for Coca Cola and is credited with making Coke a worldwide household name. Under his leadership, Coca Cola widened distribution to included "more countries than there are members of the United Nations" to quote his 1985 obituary in "The News Journal". This gun being ordered in 1938 for early 1939 delivery, along with the inscription, likely means that it was ordered for Woodruff to celebrate his appointment to Chairman of the Board in 1939, one of his many achievements in his 61 years with the company. Also included is a refitted period oak and leather takedown case containing a full compliment of cleaning tools, turn screws, a pair of brass snap caps, brass oiler, and a brass container holding a spare pair of firing pins. The case also has a canvas outer cover marked "COOK" and "COOK" on the brass inscription plate on the case lid. Stock measurements: 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel; 14 1/8 inch length of pull; slight cast-off; weight 4 lbs. 14 oz. Provenance: Mr. R. W. Woodruff, Private Collection Dallas, Texas

Exceptionally fine as refurbished during its period of use, retaining 98% blue finish with some plum hue on the barrels, nearly indiscernible pitting on the extended forend iron, 40% of the original case colors on the action with the remaining turning a fine patina, and some minor handling evidence and edge wear. There are some dings at the heel of the stock; otherwise, the wood is also exceptionally fine with a reddish hue to the finish and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with some transit wear to be expected of a trusty companion. This is a rare combination of a significant milestone from one of England's finest builders and the pedigree of one of America's most prominent businessmen. Do not let this opportunity escape you!