This magnificent V. Bovy double barrel shotgun was presented to the 21st U.S. President Chester A. Arthur (1881-1885). Arthur became president after the assassination of his predecessor, James Garfield. Due to poor health, President Arthur retired from office after his term ended and died a year later. During his tenure, Arthur presided over the rebirth of the U.S. Navy, championed civil service reform, and enacted the first general Federal immigration law. Publisher Alexander K. McClure summarized Arthur's presidency: "No man ever entered the Presidency so profoundly and widely distrusted, and no one ever retired … more generally respected." The barrels of this shotgun feature 2 1/2 inch chambers, are choked full and improved cylinder and have an extractor. The barrel flats are marked "17.4", 18.2" and "NON POUR BALLE" and stamped with the Liege ELG proof. "A ARTHUR PRESIDENT" is imprinted on the Damascus pattern on the solid barrel rib and "ARTHUR" is repeatedly spelled out as part of the Damascus pattern on the barrels. A fine gold inlaid band is featured around the barrel breech. The forearm features fine multi-point checkering, gold inlaid casehardened hardware and a gold inlaid blue finished snake-like overlay. The casehardened receiver and lock plates feature fine gold inlaid scrollwork. The lock plates also feature gold inlaid game scenes: two dogs chasing down a stag and two dogs chasing down a fox. The underside of the receiver has a large gold inlaid E Pluribus Unum spread winged eagle. The watertable is stamped with a small star/M proof. Gold inlaid scrollwork extends to the buttplate, skeletonized hammers, trigger guard and barrel release. "V BOVY/PATENT 1879" is on the trigger guard inlaid in gold. The buttplate, barrel release and trigger guard are blue and the double triggers are gold washed. The nicely figured round knob pistol grip stock features fine checkering on the grip area and exposed butt. Length of pull 14 1/8 inches. The mahogany case has brass hardware including corner protectors, lined with red felt and has a gold embossed retailer label (V. Bovy Patent Gunmaker 18[illegible]9) on the inside of the lid. The case contains a set of reloading tools, a screwdriver, and three piece cleaning rod with two attachments.

Excellent. The barrels retain 98% of the original brown Damascus with some loss at the muzzles and a few minor handling marks. 95% of the original case colors remain with wear concentrated on the trigger guard tang. The trigger guard and buttplate retain 70% original blue finish with most of the loss concentrated on the buttplate. The wood is excellent, showing some minor handling marks with overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is good with some missing hardware, damaged corner and noticeable exterior handling/storage marks. A highly embellished, historic, exhibition grade shotgun presented to U.S. President Chester A. Arthur that would become a centerpiece to any antique shotgun or 19th century firearms collection! This is one of a few U.S. presidential presentation arms that we have ever offered at auction and most certainly is worthy of the title "National Treasure!"