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The included letter from Boss & Co. confirms the .410 bore 3 inch
chambering, 26 inch barrels, single trigger, and dual bead sights
(chokes and stock dimensions modified by a later owner) when the gun
was ordered by a Mr. Eugene Kelly for Mr. R. W. Woodruff of Wilmington,
Delaware, on July 19, 1938. The letter also confirms the inscription on the
lower barrel reading “OUR FIRST 410 OVER & UNDER”. The man the gun
was made for, Robert Winship Woodruff, was the long time Chairman of
the Board for Coca Cola and is credited with making Coke a worldwide
household name. Under his leadership, Coca Cola widened distribution
to included “more countries than there are members of the United
Nations” to quote his 1985 obituary in “The News Journal”. This gun being
ordered in 1938 for early 1939 delivery, along with the inscription, likely
means that it was ordered for Woodruff to celebrate his appointment to
Chairman of the Board in 1939, one of his many achievements in his 61
years with the company.
Also included is a refitted period oak and leather takedown case
containing a full compliment of cleaning tools, turn screws, a pair of
brass snap caps, brass oiler, and a brass container holding a spare pair
of firing pins. The case also has a canvas outer cover marked “COOK”
and “COOK” on the brass inscription plate on the case lid.
Stock measurements: 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel;
14 1/8 inch length of pull; slight cast-off; weight 14 lbs. 12 oz.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as refurbished during its period of use,
retaining 98% blue finish with some plum hue on the barrels, nearly
indiscernible pitting on the extended forend iron, 40% of the original
case colors on the action with the remaining turning a fine patina, and
some minor handling evidence and edge wear. There are some dings at
the heel of the stock; otherwise, the wood is also exceptionally fine with
a reddish hue to the finish and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
The case is very good with some transit wear to be expected of a trusty
companion. This is a rare combination of a significant milestone from one
of England’s finest builders and the pedigree of one of America’s most
prominent businessmen. Do not let this opportunity escape you!
Provenance: Mr. R. W. Woodruff, Private Collection Dallas, Texas.
Estimate: 100,000 - 180,000