Click here to print this page.

Boss & Co. antique 16 gauge hammer gun fully in proof & outstanding condition. Guns International #: 101896409 Seller's Inventory #: Category: Boss Shotguns - Shotguns - English Double Antique Seller's Information When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com Seller: brandonhal Company: Member Since: 2/23/14 First Name: Brandon Last Name: Halstead State: State not Found Zip: 09468 Country: United Kingdom Phone: Fax: Number of Active Listings: 4 Total Number of Listings: 29 Seller: Private Seller Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns. Payment Types Accepted: paypal; certified bank check Description: Boss & Co. antique 16 gauge hammer gun fully in proof & outstanding condition. Offers; dealers welcome to discuss multiple purchases. Exceptional antique hammergun by one of the founding fathers of the UK Best Gun trade Thomas Boss.  This is a fully functional, in-proof, antique masterpiece by one of the world’s best shotgun makers. Boss & Co. archives indicate that this 16 gauge rotary underlever bar action hammergun (serial number 11xx) was manufactured circa mid to late 1840’s.  What makes Boss’ pedigree even more extraordinary is the fact that all shotgun manufacturing, engraving, fitting, etc., down to the thousandth of an inch, was hand-crafted without the assistance of automated machining, computer measurements, or electronic assistance. Absolute master craftsmen invested hundreds of hours into each shotgun they made by hand, with hundreds of additional hours devoted to the engraving, fitting & finishing of each Best Quality piece. A rare find in 16 bore, this gun’s origins started as a muzzle loading piece which was later converted to breech loading by one of the master craftsmen of the day. This conversion displays the highest quality work to match the rounded and contoured barrel flats into the slightly concave receiver flats – a mastery of metalwork and craftsmanship, and would have cost a small fortune at that time. Conversion work and original London black powder proof marks on barrel flats appear to indicate conversion to centerfire by Boss themselves circa 1870. In impeccable condition, the action, sidelocks, hammers, and top strap are hand-engraved in Boss’ best border and acanthus scrollwork.  This bold scrollwork is on both locks, with similar bold acanthus engraving and vinework on the floorplate, and engraved fences. The maker’s name “THOMAS BOSS” bolsters the top of each sidelock. Bold vine scrollwork is also on the under-lever, while the bowed trigger guard is engraved with a pointer dog, and more scrollwork with serial number “11xx” on the elongated backstrap, and the number “1” beside the serial number. The upright rebounding hammers are likewise engraved and checkered at the thumbs. Double bite action locks up completely tight with no looseness. Engraved number “1” between the scalloped fences. Excellent condition on the interior, with no powder marks or pitting on the face or flats. The original antique London proof house black powder proof marks are on the left and right barrels above and beside the flats, denoting the “definitive” proof mark with a script “GP” under a crown, and the “view” mark “V” under a crown. These same original London accompanying proof marks are likewise on the action flats. This gun comes in at a lightweight 6 pounds 6 ounces. Barrels have undergone complete inspection and re-proofing, with the flats stamped to confirm their safety & compliance with modern testing standards.  Contemporary London proof marks show that it has undergone British Nitro Proof (NP) testing with standard “NITRO PROOF” compliance for 16 bore chambers (“16” in a diamond).   These London proof marks verify that it has undergone recent testing, including the London heraldic marks of “NP” surmounted by an arm dexter in armor holding a scimitar, as well as marks showing post-2005 testing as confirmed by the “STD” under a crown, all indicating Proof House re-proofing measurements and standard nitro proof compliance to accommodate modern 2 & 3/4” shells (“70MM” annotated on the flats showing 70 mm metric measurement).  As Terry Wieland highlights in his book “Vintage British Shotguns,” he states “If you buy an English gun… and the proof marks show it has been nitro proofed – that is, proven with smokeless powder – you know it’s safe to shoot with loads of the length and gauge marked.” The handsome browned Damascus barrels display beautiful patterns and great measurements – rare to find a Boss with original Damascus in such outstanding condition.  The 28 & 1/2” barrels with brass sight bead have been well taken care of over the past two centuries, with seemingly little use, and outstanding strong measurements coming in at over 24,000th thickness for the right and 25,000th for the left walls, and a flawless mirrored interior – no marks or pitting.  With continued good care and cleaning after each shoot, this collector’s item should offer great future hunting well into the next century – a future family heirloom for generations to come. The maker’s details on the game rib reads “THOMAS BOSS 73 ST JAMES STREET LONDON” and is also marked with the number “1.” The chambers with extractors are sized for 2 & 3/4” (70 mm) shells, and have chokes of approximately true cylinder in both barrels.  The interior of the bores are mirrors, while the outer barrels have gorgeous warm brown Damascus coloring and virtually no handling marks whatsoever. The well figured stock has nice sharp checkering throughout the hand and an overall dark grain, dark leather recoil pad, a brass oval on the underside of the stock suitable for engraving, and a 15 & 1/4” length of pull. No handling marks on the wood, and no cracks or issues. The barrels lock up tight with absolutely no play in the action. Sharply checkered fore-end wood with engraved fore-end base, horn tip, and crosspin release. Good overall length and fit to this gun between the comfortable English straight-hand stock and almost 29” barrels provide for balanced shooting. This is a chance to own one of the finest shotguns of the early Victorian era or afterwards, made by arguably the best shotgun maker in the world; Boss & Co. made ONLY best-quality shotguns.  It’s also an investment-grade antique that can be taken into the field without the worry or expense of spending upper five or six figures. Virtually no blemishes on the gun despite being a nearly 180 year old antique, mechanically and functionally perfect and ready for the next 200 years of shooting – a true testament to the quality of craftsmanship to have this shotgun still functioning flawlessly after two centuries of service. A fine example of the master craftsmanship in UK gun-making from arguably the world’s best shotgun maker and premier member of the “Big 3” of Britain’s most famous craftsmen Purdey, Holland & Holland, and Boss & Co. With the growing popularity of wildfowling using classic British shotguns, and a surge in enthusiasm for hammer guns, this is a great combination of beauty and function without absolutely breaking the bank. Affordable luxury; ready for your next century of shooting. Terry Weiland, author of the reference “Vintage British Shotguns,” states that “Boss is one of the truly legendary names in British gunsmithing, always included as one of the top three and considered by many the best of them all. The company’s motto is ‘Maker of Best Guns only.’ Boss was never renowned for individual inventions so much as for the consistent, overall brilliance of its gunmaking.” Noted British gun specialist Jack Rowe rates Boss as follows: “They are best guns; you will not find better.” Expert George Caswell agrees and describes them as “Boss guns are always top quality – excellent plus…and command a 30 to 40 percent premium. Most Boss owners are astute gun people who take pride in owning one.” This is a pre-1898 firearm and qualifies as an antique with direct shipment to the purchaser. We are a U.S. military family stationed in the UK, and ship at an insured and flat rate of $125; usually takes about three to four weeks to arrive in the US. However, for purchases at or above the list price I will cover the cost of shipment. Online member since 2002 with 100% positive feedback. Payment via PayPal or certified bank check accepted. Please note I am not a dealer and not an expert, but a private collector, have tried to enter all the details I am aware of for this gun, and will try to answer any questions as best I can. I am downsizing my collection and hope to find other US enthusiasts of classic English shotguns to re-home a few of these pieces. Thanks for your interest. Key words: sxs shotgun, vintage, side by side, British, English, double barrel, 16 gauge, 16 ga, 16g, 16 bore, side lock, sidelock, hammer gun, hammers, sixteen.   SOLD Antique: Yes Shotgun Gauge: 16 Gauge Manufacturer: Boss & Co Model: Best Hammergun Serial Number: 11xx Bore: 16 gauge Chambers: 2 and 3/4 Condition: superior Metal Condition: Damascus Wood Condition: highly figured Bore Condition: mirror Barrels: sxs Action: bar action sidelock Triggers: 2x Stock: English straight-hand Fore End: splinter Butt Pad: leather LOP: 15 and 1/4 Rib: game Weight: 6 lbs. 6 oz. Manufacture Date: 1840's Chokes: fixed Choke Left: cyl Choke Right: cyl Engraving: yes Proof:Nitro: yes Minimum Wall Thickness Left: 25,000 Minimum Wall Thickness Right: 24,000