Manufactured in 1977, this set of 4 Remington 1100 Shotguns was ordered for an individual initialed "AFT", and each shotgun in the lot received the care and attention of Remington's Custom Shop. At the Premier Grade, the 1100 becomes a hand-fitted masterwork, with two of the shotguns receiving the personal attention of Robert P Runge, a second-generation American engraver who started his career on Parker shotguns, one by an unidentified engraver who signs "JHC", and another by Leo Walter Bala, an apprentice of Runge who grew to become a Remington Master Engraver in his own right. Information provided by Mr. Bala to the Remington Society of America indicates the average time to perform the decoration of a Gold Inlaid Premier was 80 hours per weapon, entirely apart from woodwork or the individual hand-fitting performed on all Custom Shop arms; these shotguns represent a collective 2 months of labor from some of the best engravers of the era. The A gun is fitted with paired white and nickel beads on the barrel rib, with 3 3/4 inch wedges of scroll and punch dot engraving on either side of the chamber, with the choke measuring "cylinder" and a 2 3/4 inch chamber. The receiver shows near full coverage scroll and punch dot engraving, with the serial number and "REMINGTON MODEL 1100 SF" in banners on the left, "RPR 77" concealed among a field scene on the left, and a pair of golden game birds flanking a pair of hunting dogs on each side, all set into woodland and plains scenes. Superb extra-fancy walnut stock, with a checkered beavertail forearm and pistol grip, a Remington Presentation Model solid buttplate, a golden circular panel on the underside initialed "AFT" and a length of pull of 14 inches. With a green plastic case containing takedown sleeves and a magazine plug, which fits in a Remington Custom Shop sleeve numbered to match this gun. Stock measurements on gun "A" are: Drop at comb 1 15/32 inches; Drop at heel 2 1/2 inches; 0 cast; 1/4 inch toe in; Overall weight 8 Lbs. 1.4 Oz.

Near new original blue finish, showing a small amount of discoloration on the bolt handle, and the remainder superb. The engraving is all sharp and finely detailed, with excellent inlays. The stock is also excellent, with crisp checkering and attractive grain. The box shows mild wear appropriate to age.

Manufactured in Remington's Custom Shop, the configuration and embellishment of this shotgun is a near match for the "A" shotgun, with the choke measuring "full", a 13 7/8 inch length of pull, and the signature on the left side of the receiver; "JHC". The identity of "JHC" has not been verified, but it may have been Jack Caswell, a Remington engraver-turned-salesman who returned to the Custom Shop during the era in question due to a shortage of trained engravers, with gold inlays of dogs and ducks. A green case, magazine plug, and matching Custom Shop box is also included with this shotgun. Stock measurements are: Drop at comb 1 13/32 inches; Drop at heel 2 1/4 inches; 0 cast; 1/4 inch toe in; Overall weight 7 Lbs. 15.4 Oz.

Near new, with a tiny amount of handling marks present on the blue. The engraving is all master grade, as is the gold work. A few light pressure dents are present on the wood, which is otherwise excellent. Mild wear is present on the box.

Nearly identical in configuration to "A", with the choke measuring "cylinder", 2 3/4 inch chamber, 7 1/2 inch long sections of engraving on the sides of the barrel encompassing the standard markings in ribbons, Bala's "LB 77" signature on the receiver and a 13 3/4 inch length of pull. Recruited internally, Leo Walter Bala started at Remington as a line worker, and was trained in-house by Robert P. Runge, with gold inlays of dogs and quail. With a green plastic transport case and factory box. Stock measurements are: Drop at comb 1 1/2 inches; Drop at heel 2 17/32 inches; 0 cast; 1/8 inch toe in; Overall weight 7 Lbs. 0.4 Oz.

Near new, with light handling marks overall on metal and wood. The label on the box has been scuffed, damaging the area with the serial number, but packer's number is a match for the rest of the set.

Nearly identical in configuration to "A", with the choke measuring "modified", 2 1/2 inch chamber marked for plastic shells only, 7 3/8 inch long sections of engraving on the sides of the barrel encompassing the standard markings in ribbons, Runge's "RPR 77" signature on the receiver and a 13 3/4 inch length of pull, with gold inlays of dogs and woodcock. With a green plastic transport case, and box numbered to gun. Stock measurements are: Drop at comb 1 15/32 inches; drop at heel 2 13/32 inches; 0 cast; 1/4 inch toe in; overall weight 7 Lbs. 6.4 Oz.

Excellent, with 98% of the original blue finish, with some patches of dark and rough brown on the receiver. Aside from the affected areas, the engraving is excellent. The stock shows fine grain and sharp checkering. Mild wear is present on the box.