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LOT 3462
Factory Engraved Boss & Co. Assisted-
Opening Sidelock Double Barrel Shotgun
with Case - Serial no. 6505, 12 gauge, 29 inch
solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
stock. This beautiful gun was built by Boss &
Co., one of the finest makers of fine arms in
the world, between 1916 and 1920 according
to information given on page 238 of Donald
Dallas’ “Boss & Co.: Builders of Best Guns Only”.
The gun has blued steel chopperlump barrels
which have been shortened, featuring a single
bead sight on the smooth concave solid
rib which is signed “BOSS & Co. 13. DOVER
STREET, PICCADILLY, LONDON, W.” along with a
gold “1” at the base, engraving at the breech,
original and later London reproof marks, and
2 1/2 inch chambers with automatic ejectors.
The barrels are mated to a casehardened
assisted-opening sidelock action which
displays extensive classic bouquet and scroll
engraving surrounding “BOSS & Co.” signature
banners on either lockplate and “BOSS & Co./
PATENT” on the underside before extending
to the triggerguard, both tangs, and toplever
which shows a second gold “1”. The gun
features double triggers, gold centerline
cocking indicators on either lockplate,
a right hand rolled triggerguard, and
a tang mounted automatic safety with
gold inlaid “SAFE” indicator. The gun is
fitted with a nicely figured and multi-
point checkered splinter forend with
engraved fittings and a third gold “1” and
a straight grip stock with teardrop carved
drop points, a blank gold inscription oval,
and a checkered bare butt. Included with
the gun is an oak and leather double gun
takedown case with a Boss trade label,
nickel snap caps, nickel oiler, and cleaning
tools. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L):
bore diameter nine inches from the breech
both proofed at .729 inches and measured
.735/.736 inches; choke constriction .011/.012
inches; minimum wall thickness .018/.020
inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at
heel; 14 3/4 inch length of pull;
cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 6 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally
refurbished, retaining 98% blue finish
with some rubbing beneath the
forend, 40% of the muted original
case coloring, a coat of varnish over
the blue finish aside from the barrels,
and light handling evidence. The
wood is also very fine with a few light
handling marks and crisp checkering.
Mechanically excellent. The case is very
good with some storage/transit wear.
A great chance to get your hands on a
beautiful piece from one of
Britain’s finest makers!
Estimate: 12,000 - 19,000