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 one of London's best gun makers. 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 EJECTOR" and each lock has "BOSS & CO." in a banner. The barrel break lever is mounted on the underside of the receiver and extends to the left side. Damascus barrels with a single bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib marked "BOSS & CO, 73 ST JAMES'S STREET LONDON". 2 3/4 inch chambers, choked skeet/modified and ejectors. 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. There is also a gold inlaid "1" on the upper tang. 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" and "crown/GP" proofs on the water table and the two proofs are repeated on the barrel flats as well as a London Proof House proofs on the barrel flats. The barrels are brown Damascus, the frame and side locks are casehardened and the remaining parts are blue. Double triggers, tang mounted automatic safety with gold "SAFE", and mounted with a fancy multi-point checkered walnut forearm and straight grip stock with teardrop flats, checkered bare butt with a horn toe and heel plates and gold initial oval. Length of pull is 14 7/8 inches, drop at comb is 2 1/2 inches and drop at the comb is 1 3/8 inches. The pair come in a hard leather bound takedown case with a blank brass plate on the lid and embossed "ORMSBY HALL./ALFORD,/LINCOLNSHIRE." on the lower right hand corner. The case has leather straps and handle, and red felt lining with a Boss & Co. label affixed to the inside of the lid.

Very fine as refurbished to near new. The barrels retain 98% brown finish with some mild thinning and all of the Damascus pattern remains. 50% of the case colors remain on the receiver and locks, very strong in the protected area of the trigger guard, with a smooth gray patina on the balance. All of the gold inlay and blue finish remain. The new replacement stock shows some minor handling/storage marks and crisp checkering. The markings and engraving are clear. Mechanically excellent. The case is good with some wear and scuffs on the exterior, and some wear and minor stains to the lining. There is some hand writing on the label.

As described in "A" with blue barrels, gold inlaid "2" on the rib and upper tang. Water table with the matching serial number, 2 "crown/V", "crown/GP", London proof and nitro proofs, 2 "CHOKE" and "11/8". The barrels are not numbered to the gun. 2 3/4 inch chambers, choked skeet/improved modified and ejectors. Length of pull is 14 7/8 inches, drop at the heel is 2 1/2 inches and drop at the comb is 1 3/8 inches.

Very fine as professionally refurbished to near new with only light handling/storage marks.