serial #17814, 10 ga., 30” damascus steel barrels showing nice contrasting blue and pewter damascus star pattern their full-length with some very light muzzle wear, likely professionally restruck some years ago, with no vestiges of pitting or oxidation present and light bands of engraving at the breeches. The bores rate about very good with scattered light pitting but no evidence of dings or dents. The No. 2 frame and lockplates are a pleasing mottled dark gray and pewter case-hardened patina with very nice Grade C tight flowing scroll, banknote filigree and geometric decoration with gun dogs left and right and game scene vignette on the belly, clearly more elaborate and extensive than the Grade 3 “D” arms. It is interesting to note that the underside of the barrel flats indeed show a “3” but with the lockplate and frame engraving clearly much higher grade and with more coverage than is seen on other “Grade 3” arms, and is identical to that found on the Grade 4 hammer guns. The fence bolsters are deeply chiseled and sculpted with neatly engraved “cap bursts” ahead of the firing pin bushings; the bow of the guard with the same scroll and the gamebird engraving. The checkered round knob English walnut stock rates very fine as very lightly, very professionally refinished many years ago. It features dropper points at the rears of the lock flats, very nicely chased checkering, un-engraved silver shield-shaped monogram plate atop the wrist and checkered skeleton butt. Splinter forend is similar and wood-to-metal fit remains excellent. The length of pull is 14 1/4” with drops of 1 11/16” and 2 5/8” and the arm seems to lock up tightly with the slightest sliver of light visible between the breeches and the standing breech, but no discernible play. The locks are crisp and mechanically functional with the hammers in time, the left lock will overcome the rebounding feature if pressure is placed on the hammer from the rear, an easy fix for any talented ‘smith worth his apron. There are a few dings along the toeline and a tiny replaced chip at the toe which is unobtrusive and missed at first glance. These high-grade under lifter guns are seldom encountered in such a fine state of condition, this one with the wood nicely restored and the barrels appearing to be very nicely restruck, but the frame and lockplates untouched and unhampered over all the years. A very handsome higher grade under lifter gun that, once inspected by a qualified ‘smith, would be great turkey medicine, or perhaps even close-in waterfowl, while still maintaining solid investment potential. (3E9685-9) {ANTIQUE} (2500/4500)
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