Manufactured sometime after 1897, based on the proofmarks, by Julius Pire & Company, an Antwerp firm that made a great deal of business out of the purchase and resale of military surplus as well as outfitting travelers heading to the Congo. Dovetailed bead front sight and a three leaf express rear sight on the doll head rib, the leaves graduated "100", "200" and "300" with gold inlaid numerals and sighting line. "J. Pire & Co/Anvers" is marked on top of the barrels (Anvers is French for Antwerp, Belgium), and the rib is lightly engraved on the rear, with "V.LEMAL" on the underside of the right barrel and "CAL.450 EXPRESS" on either side of the water table. The frame, locks and break lever are all lightly scroll engraved, with floral accents on the pins and screws, rebounding hammers and dual triggers. The checkered splinter forearm is fitted with floral scroll engraved screws and takedown lever, with a scalloped grip cap on the stock, sling swivels and a serrated horn buttplate. Length of pull (from front trigger) is 14 inches, with a 1 1/4 inch drop at the comb, 2 1/4 inches at heel, light cast off and toe out.

Very good with 65% of the original blue finish showing patches of gray patina on the barrel and lever, a shallow ding on the right edge of the rib a few inches back from the muzzle, mild edge wear and light spotting. A smooth gray patina is forming on the frame and locks, with strong original color around the lever and traces of the pattern overall. The forearm is lightly chipped and there is cracking of the buttplate and mild dents and scuffs on the wood overall. Mechanically very good.