The makers have kindly confirmed that this gun was sold in June, 1904 as the No. 1 of a pair to Sir William Hart Dyke, 7th Baronet of Hoveham. Blued steel barrels with a single steel bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib which is marked "(NEW BARRELS MADE FOR) FREDERICK BEESLEY. 2. ST. JAMES STREET, LONDON W.1." along with a gold "1" at the breech end, London nitro proofs, and 2 1/2 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The greyed sidelock action displays beautifully carved fences, Beesley banners on either side, and extensive classic English rose & scroll engraving. There are also gold inlaid "1"s on the lower tang beside the serial number and on the toplever. The gun features bushed firing pins, double triggers, and an automatic tang safety with gold inlaid "SAFE". Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings, including the Anson button release, and straight grip stock with teardrop flats, blank inscription oval, and leather covered recoil pad. Includes a leather bound Beesley takedown case that house both the "A" and "B" guns. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at "12" (.729 inches) and measured .736/.734 inches; choke constriction .006/.019 inches; minimum wall thickness .024/.025 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 7/16 inch drop at heel; 14 9/16 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 2 oz.

Fine, retaining 98% professionally reapplied blue to the barrels which are dented in the left tube, attractive grey on the action and locks, slightly faded engraving on the toplever, and light handling evidence. The wood is very good with a few light marks in the wood, some deterioration at the toe, and overall crisp checkering on the wood. The case is good with significant deterioration. Mechanically excellent.

As "A" with a brass bead sight, "2"s in place of the "1"s, no bushed firing pins, and different barrel markings reading "WHITWORTHS FLUID PRESSED STEEL" on either barrel and "F. BEESLEY 2 ST. JAMES'S STREET, LONDON PALL MALL CORNER" on the rib. The makers have kindly confirmed that this gun was sold in August, 1913 as the No. 2 of a pair to a Mr. A. Haworth with 29 3/4 inch barrels. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at "12" (.729 inches) and measured .738/.737 inches; choke constriction .004/.007 inches; minimum wall thickness .021/.020 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 3/8 inch drop at heel; 14 5/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 7 oz.

Very fine, retaining 98% professionally reapplied blue finish, attractive grey finish on the action, a few small dents in the barrels, and overall light handling evidence. The wood is also very fine with some wear to the recoil pad, minor handling marks, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.