Thomas Boss worked for the great Joseph Manton before becoming an outworker to the London trade. In 1891 the Scotsman, John Robertson, was taken in as a partner. Under Robertson's control the company established itself as London's best gun maker rivaled only by Purdy's. The frame, side locks, break lever, trigger guard and forearm hardware are engraved with fine English scroll and rosettes. The sides of the frame are marked "BOSS'S/PATENT" and each lock has "BOSS & CO." in a banner. The barrel selector is mounted on the left lock and has a gold inlaid "L" and "R". There are two bead sights on the smooth concave solid rib marked "BOSS & CO, 13, DOVER STREET, PICCADILLY, LONDON". There is a 1 inch wedge of fine scroll engraving on the breech end of the rib and a gold inlaid "1" ahead of that. The break lever and forearm forend piece also have a gold inlaid "1". The matching serial number is marked on the lower tang, each side of the water table, on the underside of each barrel and on the inside of the forearm hardware. There are two "crown/V" proofs on the water table and various British proofs on the barrel flats. The frame and side locks are casehardened and the remaining parts are blue. Single trigger, tang mounted automatic safety with gold "SAFE", cocking indicators with gold indicator lines and mounted with a fancy multi-point checkered walnut forearm and straight grip stock with teardrop flats, checkered bare butt and silver initial oval inscribed "JSB". Comes with a light brown hard leather mutton case and a Red Head slip on recoil pad. Length of pull is 14 1/4 inches, drop at comb if 1 1/2, at heel is 2 1/8, no cast, 3/4 toe out. Bores Ar. 732, wall thickens 9 inches from breech is 052, overall weight 6 pounds 6 ounces.

Very fine as period refurbished. The trigger guard has been professionally refinished and retains 90% blue finish with some edge wear and some thinning. The barrels retain 98% blue finish with some minor muzzle wear and a couple of minor scratches. The locks and frame retain 40% original case colors mixed with a smooth dove gray patina. The reoiled, refurbished wood is also very fine overall. The checkering on the stock has been recut and the stock shows only light handling marks. The forearm shows a few minor dents and dings with crisp checkering. The engraving and markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent. The case is good with some wear and several minor tears. The recoil pad is very good.