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The nicely patterned Damascus barrels have dual gold bands
at the muzzles, a nickel silver bead front sight, “AD. JANSEN
ARQUEBUSIER DU ROI A BRUXELLES” signed in gold and
surrounded by decorative gold borders on the concave rib,
inlaid gold foliate and border designs at the breech, and
Liege proofs as well as Eugene Bernard maker’s marks on
the undersides at the breech. The water table has “1866” on
the right and “BREVETE 756” on the left. The action, locks,
and mounts feature extensive raised engraved foliate scroll
gold inlays surrounding beautifully engraved and highly
detailed hunting scenes consisting of pairs of hunting dogs
on the locks, a pair of rabbits/hares on the right side of the
frame, and a covey of quail on the left side of the frame. The
gold contrasts particularly beautifully with the bright high
polish blue finish on the lever, trigger guard, and buttplate.
The forend and wrist are checkered. The stunningly figured
buttstock also features a blank gold inscription oval on the
underside and incised foliate carving at the butt. Barrel and
stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from
the breech .737/.735 inches; choke constriction .000/.000
inches; minimum wall thickness .028/.027 inches; 1 11/16 inch
drop at comb; 2 3/4 inch drop at heel; 14 7/16 inch length of
pull; slight cast-off; weight 7 lbs. 13 oz. The case is lined with
blue velvet and has “AD. JANSEN/ARQUEBUSIER DU ROI/A
BRUXELLES” stamped in gold inside the lid and contains two
reloading tools, a shot measure, a powder measure, a three-
part ebony cleaning rod with attachments, a casehardened
mainspring vise, two screwdrivers, and leather case for
ammunition. The shotgun was purchased from W. Keith Neal
in 1964.
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