serial #26781, 360 BPE (2 1/4''), 28'' barrels with bright, very fine bores which show sharp rifling with a bit of light frosting nearer the throat. The barrels retain perhaps 90% evenly fading gray blue with a few sparsely scattered spots of light oxidation here or there, a bit more uniform along the left tube. It is maker marked atop the rib with both the 16 New Oxford St., London and the Paris addresses and a bit of light scroll on the rib extension. The diminutive Anson & Deeley boxlock frame is a dull pewter gray patina with nice quality tight scroll and light filigree around the screw heads, coverage is roughly 85-90% and ''EM Reilly & Co.'' is in riband left and right. The long tang triggerguard shows a bit of light scroll engraving as well and there is a nice steel gripcap fitted with a sunburst design engraved, ''safe'' is inlaid in gold atop the tang. The buttstock rates excellent and is a high-quality later replacement with a nice rounded left side shadowline cheekpiece and showing some very lovely grain figure. The length of pull to the checkered butt is 14'' with drops of 1 3/8'' and 1 3/4'' and with nice, lightly engraved, heel and toeplates; the oval silver monogram plate along the toeline remains un-engraved. The forend appears to be original equipment and shows a bit of wear with neatly chased checkering and an older, very unobtrusive repair at the iron. Lockup is with dual under bites and rib extension third fastener, the underside of the barrel with London black powder proofs. The right barrel appears tight on face, the left barrel does exhibit the slightest whisper of light. Features double triggers, automatic safety and extractors, the gun appears to function properly. There is a simple silver bead front sight, with four leaf express rear, one standing, three folding, and the rib shows four small holes which were neatly filled, no doubt where some manner of the scope mount was once affixed. The gun was the subject of an article in the spring 2014 ''Double Gun Journal'' and has been used by the consignor to harvest deer on a number of occasions. Certainly the rifle would perform well on most North American game. (39644-3) {ANTIQUE} (3500/5000)
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