serial #2927, 8 ga., 39 7/8'' plain barrel, un-choked, with a good to perhaps very good bore showing light and moderate pitting its full-length, the thickness of the tubes is such that it is likely back boring could eliminate much of the pitting and leave a choke at the muzzle. All of the metal surfaces are a pewter gunmetal gray patina, the barrels showing remnants of light pitting near overall, the top flat at the breech is marked ''Blissett & Son Liverpool''. The frame and back action lockplates show interspersed remnants of light oxidation freckling but are primarily smooth with a few very light pits on the tang and rear of the lockplate. There is some very light borderline engraving but otherwise the arm is very Spartan, the lock marked ''Blissett & Son''. The straight grip English walnut buttstock rates about very good as lightly refinished many years ago, the checkering now mostly flat-top, the stock retaining remnants of overall light dings and handling marks, with a flake missing to the rear of the lockplate and a couple other small slivers missing at the frame here and there. The metal now sits a bit proud, the silver monogram plate along the toeline is un-engraved and the length of pull to the smooth steel buttplate is 14 1/4''. The splinter style forend rates perhaps good with only remnants of the checkering pattern, the metal fairly proud and showing oxidation, a repaired chip along the right rear edge and numerous dings and handling marks, some more moderate. The rebounding lock seems to operate properly and is crisp and mechanically functional. The Jones underlever snugs up tightly but the barrel is slightly off-face and does exhibit a bit of lateral play, but it is slight. A big old sea duck 8 bore that no doubt spent some time off the coast of Liverpool and could likely be resurrected to see waterfowl duty once more (not in the U.S. of course) but would be fun to take a strutting tom with. (3B9738-266) {ANTIQUE} [Kris Congdon Collection] (2000/2500)
firearm