Page 392 - 88-BOOK2

390
LOT 1452
Factory Engraved Boss & Co. 20 Gauge Sidelock Ejector Double Barrel Shotgun Two Barrel Set with Case - Serial no. 7202, 20 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured between 1923 and 1926 according to the chart on page 102 of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers Volume One: London”. Blued steel chopperlump barrels with a single bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib which is faintly marked “Boss & Co. 13 Dover Street, Piccadilly, London, England.”, chamber measured 2 3/4 inches and proved at 7/8 oz. with automatic ejectors, and correct era London Nitro proofs. The casehardened sidelock action displays beautifully executed Purdey style bouquet & scroll engraving surrounding “BOSS & Co.” banners on either lockplate. The engraving continues from the action onto the toplever, trigger guard, and both tangs. The gun features double triggers, gold centerline cocking indicators, and a tang mounted automatic safety switch with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Highly figured, multi- point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings, including the Anson button release, and straight grip stock with teardrop carved flats, “HAROLD A. VOGEL JR.” in the inscription oval, and a serrated hard rubber buttplate. Included is a second set of matching numbered 26 inch 20 gauge barrels with 1975 dated London nitro proofs, 2 3/4 inch chambers, and the Cork St. address on the rib with a gold star at the base. Also included is wood and leather motor case that houses the entire set marked “H. A. VOGEL JR” on the lid and a set of cleaning tools. Barrel measurements for the second set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at .615 inches and measured at .616/.617 inches; choke constriction .002/.004 inches; minimum wall thickness .026/.028 inches. Barrel and stock measurements for the primary set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at “20” (.615 inches) and measured .624/.623 inches; choke constriction .005/.008 inches; minimum wall thickness .019/.021 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 5/16 inch drop at heel; 13 1/2 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 5 lbs. 2 oz. CONDITION: Very fine as professionally refurbished, retaining 98% blue finish on the barrels with a plum hue and softened barrel markings, 90% case colors, faded barrel markings, and light handling evidence. The wood shows some chipping at the edges and a tiny crack off the top tang, otherwise the wood is very fine with a few marks and crisp checkering. The case and extra barrel are very fine. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000