serial #486, 20 bore (2 1/2"), 28 1/4" Damascus barrels, un-choked, with mostly bright very good plus bores showing some sparsely scattered light pitting, minor scoring marks and a few raised light dings. The barrels show strong swirling Damascus patterns throughout and retain perhaps 70% original brown finish thinning to pewter gunmetal patina along the sides and showing some scattered light oxidation staining, pinprick pitting and a light scuff at the bottom edge of the right muzzle. The 26 Hanover Street Edinburgh address remains legible and the barrels are stamped with London black powder proofs. The lockplates and frame are toning to a silvery case-hardened patina with some remnants of an old dried preservative, light oxidation scattered about and some strong colors lurking about the protected areas. Both lockplates are maker-marked and the metal surfaces are embellished with excellent quality English scrollwork throughout, the hammers are embellished with attractive dolphin heads, the left spur is chipped. The long tang triggerguard retains some flakes of bright blue and shows some moderate pitting along the tang that has been lightly dressed. The checkered straight grip walnut buttstock and forend remain in very fine condition showing some scattered light dings, minor staining and handling marks, the hardware with scattered oxidation staining. The checkering with nice mullered borders shows only light wear and remains intact, the stock is cast-off slightly and also features attractive dropper points, heel and toe plates and a monogram plate along the toe line neatly engraved with what appears to be "JAH". Wall thickness measures no less than about .028" with most areas considerably above this. Length-of-pull is 14 1/4" with drops of 1 3/4" and 2 1/2". Lock-up is by dual under bites, the barrels show a sliver of light between the breech and standing breech, they show some lateral play and the top lever rests about dead center. The locks with rebounding hammers function crisply. A respectable handy shotgun from this quality maker. (13B9438-179) {ANTIQUE} (800/1200)
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