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Desirable British Golden Age Double Barrel Shotgun by Boss & Co.
226
LOT 3411
Factory Engraved Boss & Co. Best Sidelock Ejector Double Barrel Shotgun with Case - Serial no. 5536, 12 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured between 1900 and 1910 per the chart on page 102 of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers: Volume One - London”. Blued steel barrels with single brass bead sight on the smooth, concave solid rib which is marked “”BOSS & Co. 73. ST. JAMES’S STREET. LONDON” along with a gold inlaid “1”embedded in floral scroll, single bands at either breech, barrels marked “SLEEVED” with 1982 dated Birmingham reproofs, and chambers marked 2 3/4 inches with ejectors. The casehardened sidelock action displays beautiful traditional English rose and scroll engraving with nickel plated action pins, “BOSS & Co.” banners on either lock, and “BOSS’S PATENT” on either side of the receiver. The gun has a single trigger, a very special feature at the time it was built, the invention of which is credited to John Robertson, a gunsmith and half owner of the Boss firm at the time. The gun also has a barrel release engraved to match with a gold inlaid “1” and a tang mounted safety switch with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Beautiful, highly figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings including the Anson button release marked with a gold inlaid “1” and straight grip stock with tear drop carved flats, gold initial oval with a Gothic “B”, and thick, checkered horn buttplate. The stock is cast-on, indicating that this gun may have been set up for a left handed shooter. Includes a takedown case with Boss & Co. trade label and information sheet on the interior lid. Stock and barrel measurements (R/L): bore diameter 9 inches from the breech both proved and measured at .729/.729 inches; choke constriction .008/.023 inches; minimum wall thickness .026/.027 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/2 inch drop at heel; 14 1/2 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs 10 oz. CONDITION: Very fine as professionally refurbished, retaining 99% blue and casehardened finishes with minor handling evidence and a very slight line from where the sleeving was done. The wood is also very fine with a few minor scratches, a slight chip at the right rear of the forend, and sharp checkering. The case is very fine. Mechanically excellent. You can see that this gun truly embodies Boss & Co.’s motto “Best Guns Only”! Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000