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LOT 3635
Exceptional True Pair of Factory Master Frederique Lepinois Engraved Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Co./A. Galazan Self-Opening Sidelock Over/Under 20 Gauge Shotguns with Case -A) Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Co./A. Galazan Sidelock Over/Under Shotgun - Serial no. G346, 20 gauge, 30 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company builds some of the finest guns “this side of the pond”, combining high tech manufacturing with old world craftsmanship. Pairs of guns such as this are at the top of the list for most collectors, and opportunities to purchase them at public auction are scare to say the least. This pair truly is exceptional, showing nothing but the finest quality that would be at home in any fine arms collection. Each gun is built with highly polish blue barrels featuring a single white bead sight on the matted flat solid rib which is marked with a small gold “1” or “2” at the base, “A. GALAZAN” marked on the left of the upper barrel, small wedges of floral scroll at either side of the breech, and chambers marked 2 3/4 inches with automatic ejectors. The vibrantly case colored self-opening pinless sidelock action displays fantastic near full coverage Purdey style bouquet & scroll engraving which surrounds “A. GALAZAN” banners on either lockplate and then flows off of the action onto both tangs, the top lever which shows another “1” or “2”, and the right hand rolled trigger guard which is inlaid “R/W/B” in fine gold. The highly intricate engraving was carried out by Master Engraver Frederique Lepinois, while no signature is found on the gun, certificates of authenticity are included naming her as the engraver and bearing her signature and the serial number of each gun along with the completion date of January 18, 2007. Each gun
has a single trigger and an automatic tang mounted safety switch. Highly figured, exhibition grade, multi-point checkered forend with blued and engraved extended shoe and Anson button release which is inlaid with a “1” or “2” and pistol grip stock with teardrop carved drop points with blued and engraved grip cap, gold inscription oval marked “RWB”, and blued engraved heel and toe plates around the checkered butt. Included is a trunk style canvas bound takedown case with leather fittings that houses both the “A” and “B” guns. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .618/.618 inches; choke constriction .018/.027 inches; minimum wall thickness .032/.034 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 3/16 inch drop at heel; 14 13/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 12 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% plus original blue and casehardened finishes with minimal handling evidence and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. The case is also excellent. Mechanically excellent.