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LOT 484
Exhibition Quality Relief Engraved and Gold and Silver Inlaid Friedrich Korner 20-Bore Lefaucheux Patent Rotary Underlever Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun - NSN, 20 gauge, 30 3/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened/gold/silver finish, walnut stock. Friedrich Korner of Siegen, Westphalia, Germany, was active in the late 19th century to early 20th century. This elaborate sporting gun was from the earlier part of that range given the lack of German proofs. The Damascus barrels have a solid rib with a bead front sight and “F. Korner in Siegen” in gold inlay, gold and silver inlays at the breech ends, and London proofs, including “NOT NITRO <20> BLANK MAX. 60 GRAIN” and “2 1/2” on the undersides. The remaining metal component have floral engraving and relief cut game scenes with gilt stags and boar, the initials “JK” in gold inlay on the trigger guard bow, and a checkered buttplate. Both triggers are single set. The lever arm is horn, and the forend and wrist are checkered. Sling swivels are fitted to the underside of the barrels and buttstock. The length of pull is 13 3/4 inches. CONDITION: Very good overall with crisp engraving, bright original gold inlays, aged patina on the silver, traces of original case colors, mostly dark brown patina on the balance, some oxidation pitting, attractive figure, crisp checkering, and general mild overall wear including some small chips on the forearm. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 2,500 - 5,000
LOT 485 Factory Engraved John Rigby & Co. Rising Third Bite Double Barrel Shotgun - Serial no. 15113, 12 gauge, 30 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The maker’s records confirm that this gun was ordered on July 24, 1880 as a hammerless gun with Bissell action. It is believed that this is the earliest known gun built on the Bissell action. Built with blued steel barrels featuring a single bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib which is marked “John Rigby & Co. Dublin & London”, scroll engraving at the breech, original period London black powder proofs, and chambers measured 2 1/2 inches with a single extractor. The barrels are mated to an unusual action which appears to have been of Theophilus Murcott’s design adapted for John Rigby and Thomas Bissell’s 1879 patent rising third bite. The action displays scroll engraving with “J. Rigby & Co.” on either side as well as a bird of prey on the top and features bushed firing pins and double triggers. The standing breech is marked “1104/ TB(monogram)/R&B/PATENT .1141/No 108”. The gun is fitted with attractively figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings and a straight grip stock with horn buttplate. Stock measurements: 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel; 14 1/2 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 98% reapplied blue finish, smooth grey patina on the action, some areas of minor spotting, mild handling evidence, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 486
Engraved J & W Tolley Marked 8 Bore Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun - Serial no. 20977, 8 gauge, 33 5/8 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Built with brown Damascus steel barrels featuring a single bead sight on the matted solid rib which is marked “J. & W. TOLLEY St. MARY’s SQUARE BIRMINGHAM”, period Birmingham proofs on the flats, import mark under the forend, and chambers with a single extractor. The barrels
are fitted to a casehardened Jones Rotary Underlever backaction which displays scroll engraving and features rebounding hammers,
and double triggers. The gun is mounted with a nicely figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings and a round knob pistol grip stock with
blank silver inscription oval and a J. C. Higgins recoil pad. Stock measurements: 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 inch length of pull; weight 11 lbs. 13 oz. CONDITION: Very good as restored, retaining 98% rebrowned finish, traces of original case colors in the protected areas with the balance a fine grey, and light handling evidence. The wood has an oversized recoil pad, some chipping on the loose forend, and crisp wood checkering. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500
LOT 487 Factory Engraved Charles Boswell Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun with Case - Serial no. 11881, 12 gauge, 30 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured circa 1890 per the information on page 103 of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers Volume One: London”. Built with browned Damascus barrels with dual white bead sights on the matted solid rib which is marked “CHARLES BOSWELL. MAKER 126 STRAND LONDON W.C.”, light scroll engraving at the breech, 2007 dated Birmingham nitro reproofs, choke constrictions of inches, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with a single extractor. The barrels are fitted to a casehardened rebounding hammer sidelock action which features scroll engraving, “CHAs. BOSWELL” on either lockplate, and a set of double triggers. The gun is fitted with a nicely figured and checkered forend with engraved fittings and a round knob pistol grip stock with carved drop points, and a leather covered recoil pad. Includes a wood and leather takedown case, nickel oiler, nickel snap caps, and cleaning tools. Stock measurements: 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 15/16 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 6 oz. CONDITION: Very fine as refurbished, retaining nearly all of the brown finish, smooth grey patina on the action, 98% reapplied blue on the toplever, hammers, and triggerguard, light handling evidence, and sharp checkering on the replacement wood. The case is excellent. Some loose solder under rib, otherwise mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000 401